Special Education Paraprofessional

 

          
Reports to:                  Building Principal

Qualifications:            High School Diploma or equivalent
                                   Experience with Special Needs students preferred.
 
 
Purpose Statement:
The job of Special Programs Education Assistant is 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.
 
Essential Functions:

• Assists 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.
• Administers 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. 
• Attends meetings as requested (e.g. in-service training, workshops, IEP’s, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information.
• Confers 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.
• Instructs 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.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors students (e.g. library, field trips, classroom activities, lunch room, bus, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs 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.
• Records observations and incidents relating to specific students for the purpose of providing documentation and/or communicating information to appropriate personnel.
• Responds to inquiries from staff (e.g. administrators, psychologists, teachers, counselors, staff, etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or appropriate referrals.

Paraprofessionals assigned to the following classrooms are required to maintain their CPR/First Aide certification; this will be paid for by the Special Education Department:
                Extended Learning Resource Room
                ACE  Room
                IDEAL Room
 
Other paraprofessionals may be requested or required to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aide certifications as necessitated by the students in their classrooms. If this is the case, training will be paid for by the Special Education Department.
 
 
Other Functions:
• Assists other personnel, as may be required, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
 
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
 
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
 
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: age appropriate activities; M.A.N.D.T.  training; subject matter taught in assigned classrooms; and stages of child development.
 
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, 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 limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting patience and compassion; and working with frequent interruptions.
 
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions.
 
Responsibility:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions may require the following physical demands: frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of disabled students of a variety of sizes and disabilities; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 25% walking, and 45% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and some hazardous conditions.
 
Experience
 No job related experience is required. Experience working with Special Needs children is preferred.
 
Clearances                                                                       
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance        

Required Testing/certification: 

Either college credits or passing the Wonderlic Basic Skills test to considered Highly Qualified
 
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.


Application Procedure:
Apply Online at: www.fremont25.org