Special Education Paraprofessional

O VERVIEW

Under the immediate direction of the Director of Special Education, the Special Education Paraprofessional position is responsible for supporting the school's educational programs by assisting credentialed staff in reinforcing instruction for students with identified disabilities. They will be expected to collaborate with credentialed personnel to help students achieve academic and behavioral goals; Perform other related functions as required.

The following duties are typical for this classification. However, incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties to address needs of the school and change practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reinforcing educational, social, and behavioral instruction presented by credentialed teaching staff to individual students or small groups of students

Implementing alternative methods for presenting instruction and modifying behaviors as directed by credentialed personnel

Assisting instructional personnel with the preparation of instructional materials and exercises, according to student IEP services and accommodations

Monitoring and assisting students with a variety of instructional activities

Ongoing data collection to monitor progress on IEP goals

Implementing student Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) under the direction of credentialed personnel

Operating and assisting students with the operation of instructional technology

Assisting students with the use of Assistive Technology and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices

Accompanying and assisting students in all educational settings such as general education classrooms

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or equivalent

Coursework in childcare, psychology, or education is preferred

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Six months of experience working or volunteering with children with disabilities

Experience in a classroom setting is preferred

Must pass fingerprint clearance and TB test

Must complete required training upon hire: CPR, First Aid, Mandated Reporter, and Sexual Harassment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Basic academic subjects such as science, technology, mathematics, English language arts, and social studies

Basic instructional methods and techniques

Basic concepts of child growth and development

Strategies and techniques for supervising students

Positive behavior management strategies, including knowledge and support of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

Proper use of a variety of assistive equipment and devices

Techniques used in controlling and motivating students

Proper lifting techniques

Universal precautions applicable to handling bodily fluids and other potentially hazardous materials

Personal care and hygiene tasks

Current instructional technology devices and software

Routine recordkeeping techniques; Inventory control methods and practices

Practical oral and written communication skills; Basic clerical functions

Basic first aid and CPR procedures.

Effective listening and communication; Collaboration

Adaptability

Time management

Computer literacy

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students as directed by certificated staff

Assist with the preparation of instructional materials

Apply school policies, methods, and practices used in instructional programs

Assist students with the operation of instructional technology devices and software

Implement specialized behavior strategies as directed

Monitor, observe, and report student behavior progress according to approved policies and procedures

Use appropriate positive behavior management strategies; Provide treatment and administer first aid, CPR, and emergency medical care as necessary

Demonstrate understanding, patience, warmth, and receptiveness toward children

Encourage opportunities for independence

Maintain confidentiality

Operate office equipment, including a computer and assigned software technology

Assist students with a variety of communicative and mobility devices

Perform routine clerical tasks

Establish and maintain accurate records relating to the area of responsibility

Record information completely and accurately; Prioritize workload and conflicting demands

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using tact and diplomacy

Establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals encountered in the course of work

Comply with the district's customer service standards, as outlined in Board Policy

Report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Indoors and outdoors

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear and reach with hands and arms

Operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment

Reach with hands and arms

Must occ

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds

Regularly required to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly

BENEFITS:

Paid sick leave

Paid personal leave

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Employer paid life insurance,

403 (b) retirement

Induction program reimbursement and mentor

Before and after school child-care

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Roots Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.