SPED Paraprofessional

JobID: 258

Position Type:
Support Staff/Paraprofessional
Date Posted:
10/17/2020
Location:
Gem Prep: Meridian
Date Available:
ASAP
Are you interested in making a significant impact in students’ lives? Would you like to be part of a team that is committed to do whatever it takes to make every student successful? Gem Prep is seeking an entrepreneurial spirit who is committed to excellence and has a desire to join a fast-growing team.

Gem Prep is a K- 12 college preparatory school. At least sixty percent of Gem Prep students will graduate high school with an associate’s degree and the remainder will graduate with at least 18 college credits. During the elementary years, Gem Prep believes in building a strong academic foundation to prepare students for the rigorous learning environment in grades 7-12

Gem Prep views itself as a catalyst for changing K-12 education in Idaho, with an impact that extends beyond our schools to benefit students throughout the state. Our focus is to improve post-secondary preparedness and achievement for all students. Gem Prep Schools are part of the Gem Innovation Schools organization that serves K-12 students throughout Idaho, operating four charter schools in Nampa, Meridian and Pocatello and a statewide virtual school. See www.gemprep.org for more information.

Gem Prep students develop the following competencies by the time they graduate high school. Gem Prep staff are expected to possess each of these same competencies.

• Self-Aware, Self-Directed and Self-Disciplined
• Creative Problem-Solver
• Skilled Communicator and Collaborator

JOB SUMMARY

Assists the special education teacher in achieving the goals and objectives as stated on each child’s current Individual Education Plan (IEP) through individual, small group, or whole group instruction.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans for scholars and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual scholars inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material and skills introduced by the teacher
• Provide individualized instruction activities using materials and sequences selected by the special education teacher
• Assist special education teacher with maintaining accurate scholar records
• Support scholars with emotional or behavioral concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Perform other duties as necessary

Other Classroom Assistance

• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities
• Alert the supervising teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student
• Serve as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher
• Keep the supervising teacher informed of activities and any issues that may arise
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Distribute and collect workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction
• Engage children in conversation to encourage language development
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Meet the personal needs of children with disabilities including toileting, feeding, locomotion, and health needs
• Assist, where appropriate, in loading and unloading the special education pupil from transportation buses or vans

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least two years of college-level coursework or an Associate’s Degree in education or related field
• Previous aide or teaching experience preferred
• Ability to lift up to forty pounds and push and pull up to one hundred pounds
• Knowledge of child growth and the diverse needs of children with disabilities
• Knowledge of appropriate special education classroom practices
• The ability to work with students with emotional, physical, and mental disabilities
• Ability to instruct students one-on-one and small group situations, at the direction of the Special Education Teacher
• Strong background in teaching methods and developmentally appropriate classroom activities
• Demonstrated knowledge of subject matter and effective teaching methods
• Knowledgeable about word processing, data bases, spread sheets, and reports
• Ability to maintain a learning environment
• Works well with students, staff, and the public
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under pressure and deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY TO
Special Education Teacher and/or Classroom Teacher and Director of Special Services

EVALUATION
Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the, building administrator, special education teacher and/or the director of special services in conformance with any applicable federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position shall be considered in all respects “employment at will”. The “employment period” and other descriptions and terms set forth in this job description shall not create a property right for the employee. These are set forth only to advise the employee of when and what type of services will be required by the district so long as the employment continues.

NOTE
All certificated and non-certificated employees and other individuals are required to undergo a criminal history check and submit to fingerprinting. Any applicant convicted of any of the felony crimes enumerated in Section 33-1208, Idaho Code may not be hired, and any applicant convicted of any felony offense listed in Section 33-1208(2), Idaho Code shall not be hired.