Paraprofessional-Special Education

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraprofessional - Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the supervisory teacher and the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and assisting medically fragile students with personal care i.e. toileting, diapering, wheelchair transferring, etc.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics:

This job reports to Site Administrator

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom materials under the direction of the supervising teacher (e.g. touch screens, I-Pad, specialized student software, etc.) for the purpose of providing a method to support and/or reinforce classroom objectives.
• Assists medically fragile students (e.g. showers students, toileting, body fluids, diapering, tube feeding, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for students as required.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, tube feeding, intervention, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Implements programs for individual students that are designed by health professionals (e.g. Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapists, etc.) for the purpose of carrying out the treatment plans that are developed to address the physical, mental and/or emotional needs of assigned students.
• Implements instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students' academic success through a defined course of study.
• Implements behavioral management plans for the purpose of meeting students' social and daily living skills.
• Maintains student files/records as pertains to special education (e.g. medicare records, behavioral logs, number of goals achieved, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or providing reliable information.
• Maintains classroom equipment (e.g. kitchen items, swing ball, washer, gate trainer, touch screens, special spoons, walkers, wheelchairs, toys, audiovisual, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and providing a sanitary and safe learning environment.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. classrooms, rest rooms, playgrounds activities, field trips, bus loading zones, cafeteria, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs recordkeeping and clerical functions (e.g. scheduling, copying, inventory of supplies, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or administrator in providing necessary records/materials.
• Provides instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, testing, computers, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.
• Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, altercations, student runaways, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices and procedures; administer first aid and/or prescribed medications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior; health standards and hazards.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience Job related experience is required.

Education Community college and/or vocational school degree with study in job-related area. High School Diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency

Required Testing Certificates Para-Professional Exam or 60 College Credits CPR/First Aid Certificate

Continuing Educ./Training Clearances Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status Approval Date Salary Range Non Exempt 07/13/13 VII