26-27 Eisenhower Special Education Paraprofessional - Autism

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting teacher(s) to provide instruction to individuals or small groups of students with behavior challenges; administering behavior modification and de-escalation techniques to support instruction, increase participation in academic tasks, improve social skills and support appropriate behavior of individuals and/or small groups of students some with special needs; redirect and modify student progress regarding inappropriate behaviors and performance; participate as a member of the educational team; help implement all components of the student's individual program; perform a variety of clerical duties as assigned.

Education

• High school diploma or GED
• Passing score on the paraprofessional exam or Oklahoma General Educations Test (OGET) required

Experience

• Experience working with children/teenagers who have behavior challenges
• Experience working with students with special needs
• De-escalation experience
• Successful experience working in an intervention setting as well as the classroom

Knowledge

• Behavior modification and de-escalation techniques
• Social interaction skills of students with special needs
• Basic subjects taught in the district school
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
• Basic first aid and CPR procedures
• Health and safety regulations pertaining to position
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
• Oral and written communications skills
• Interpersonal relations skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Basic record-keeping skills

Essential Job Functions

• Affixes in providing instruction to behaviorally challenged individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher
• Works one-on-one with students with serious behavioral needs
• Actively participates in behavior intervention meetings and IEP or 504 meetings as appropriate
• Collects data and records anecdotal student progress notes and maintains behavioral charting data
• Maintains and monitors students in prescribed learning activities
• Reduces and redirects inappropriate behavior
• Reports progress regarding student behavior and performance
• Affixes in providing proper examples, emotional support and general guidance as directed
• Communicates with teachers regarding programs and materials to meet student needs
• Fulfills health and safety practices and regulations
• Affixes in assisting students in developing self-help and self-advocacy skills as directed
• Affixes in implementing specialized student plans (IEP, BIP, 504) as needed
• Affixes in assisting in de-escalating student behaviors and reintegration back into the classroom
• Affixes in assisting in supervising students inside and outside the classroom as assigned
• Follows Board policies and district procedures
• Escorts students to and from designated locations as assigned; may accompany students to recess, lunch and on field trips as assigned
• Tutors individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction and behavior as directed by the teachers
• Participates in meetings, training, and professional development as assigned
• Observes, changes, alters, and improves the social interaction skills of students with special needs according to behavior modification techniques
• Affixes in assisting students by providing proper examples, behavioral intervention, emotional support and general guidance in the school setting
• Confers and reviews with teachers, instructional personnel, behavior specialists and psychologists regarding collected data, programs, and materials to meet student needs
• May assist students with washing, eating, toileting, and other personal care needs
• When appropriate, affixes in assisting students in developing self-sufficiency skills related to personal hygiene
• Affixes in assisting assigned teacher and certificated personnel with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP's)
• Provides routine first aid to injured students according to established procedures as needed
• Maintains appropriate documentation, records, and reports
• Supports students through transition into new education settings
• Must always maintain confidentiality
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Physical Requirements

• Ability to provide physical care for assigned student(s)
• Ability to perform physical restraint as needed following correct procedures

Licenses and Other Requirements

• Must obtain de-escalation techniques training and keep certification up-to-date
• Must obtain District behavior modification trainings or approved equivalent within six months of employment and keep certification up-to-date
• Successful completion of the District-mandated proficiency examination
• Must complete and maintain First Aid and CPR certification within six months of employment