Fremont County School District Number 25

Riverton, Wyoming

Paraprofessional (Special Education)

Reports to: Building Principal

Supervises: None

Approved/Revised Date: July 17, 2024

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR/First Aid Certification

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED  QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience with Special Needs students  

POSITION SUMMARY

The job of Special Programs Education Assistant is done for the purpose/s of under the direction of assigned personnel, assists, tutors, and trains special education and other identified students in a classroom or similar learning situation; providing personal care assistance; and performing classroom clerical tasks in support of the instructional process.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist special education students and other identified students, under the general direction of the teacher, (e.g. reading, explain words, reading to students, arts and crafts, classroom activities, individual assignments, etc.) for the purpose of providing an opportunity for them to participate in classroom activities.
• Administer under supervision, first aid and medical assistance (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children and developing daily living activities and behavior skills.  May be assigned to specific student(s) of all ages and sizes that require intense physical assistance including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling the student as needed to manipulate into educational-ready positioning.  
• Attend meetings as requested (e.g. in-service training, workshops, IEP’s, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information.
• Confer with teacher/s (special education and/or mainstream teacher) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Instruct special education students and other identified students, one on one or in small groups (e.g. math groups, providing proper examples, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of assisting students in making progress on their IEP goals.
• Maintain instructional materials and/or student files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitor students (e.g. library, field trips, classroom activities, lunch room, bus, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
• Perform record keeping and clerical functions (e.g. correcting papers, recording grades, copying, displays, collects paper, distributes supplies, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in preparing records/materials.
• Record observations and incidents relating to specific students for the purpose of providing documentation and/or communicating information to appropriate personnel.
• Respond to inquiries from staff (e.g. administrators, psychologists, teachers, counselors, staff, etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or appropriate referrals.
• Assist other personnel, as may be required, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Performs multiple, non-technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions
• Operates standard office equipment
• Prepares and maintains accurate records.
• Possesses knowledge to perform algebra and/or geometry
• Understands written procedures, writes routine documents, and speaks clearly
• Understands complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. 
• Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities, M.A.N.D.T.  training and in subject matter taught in assigned classrooms, and stages of child development
• Schedules activities
• Gathers and/or collates data
• Flexible to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances
• Works with data utilizing defined but different processes
• Able to work with a wide diversity of individuals
• Works with a variety of data
• Problem solves to identify issues and create action plans and may require independent interpretation
• Communicates with diverse groups
• Maintains confidentiality
• Exhibits patience and compassion while working with frequent interruptions
• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills
• Works independently with little direct supervision
• Works as part of a team
• Accepts responsibility and is self-motivated
• Demonstrates strong work ethic to achieve District goals
• Displays effective multitasking and time management skills

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as policies and regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine correspondence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee will experience some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and may experience occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. The employee will experience significant fine finger dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Generally, the job requires 30% sitting, 25% walking, and 45% standing, and is performed under some temperature extremes and some hazardous conditions.   

EVALUATION

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of certified or classified personnel.

SALARY SCHEDULE

This position will be paid according to the approved Classified Student Support Salary Schedule.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Student School Year Calendar +5, unless otherwise assigned by supervisor. 

CLEARANCES

Employment is contingent on a local, state, and federal criminal background clearance.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.