26/27 Special Education Instructional Paraeducator, Durango High School, .50 FTE

Summary

Durango School District is accepting applications for a Special Education Instructional Paraeducator to work with students in a one-on-one setting and supporting students in the classroom at Durango High School, 20 hours per week, Monday-Friday. This position includes benefits and a $900 one-time FTE pro-rated bonus for the 26/27 SY (Note: bonus pro-rated for late start and FTE).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students, under the direction and immediate supervision of a licensed school professional.
• Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small, and large group settings.
• Aid in facilitating the execution of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students under the direction of licensed staff.
• Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum.
• Supervise and facilitate students in the classroom and a variety of settings that may include the lunchroom, playground, to/from buses, cross walks, field trips, extra-curricular activities, or on-the-job training.
• Enforce district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and assist in meeting student behavioral goals.
• Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem-solving techniques and conflict resolution.
• Assist students in performing daily routines. May include getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene. May include working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization.
• Aid in student mobility as directed by the IEP and student need.
• Facilitate and encourage speech and language development. May use alternative language such as sign language or voice-activated computer systems.
• Implement specialized therapy programs; work directly with therapists on physical progress and IEPs. Assist with documenting when a student meets with a therapist.
• Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators with regard to academic and behavioral issues and observations.
• Provide suggestions, feedback, and support to building staff, administrators, parents, and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning.
• Absorb and assist in data collection, updating records, and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records.
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Absorb and assist in sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning the learning environment.
• Attend and participate in district and building in-service opportunities and committee work.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Skills Competence (Minimum 2 years of college, e.g., associate’s degree, or 48 semester hours of college coursework) OR pass paraprofessional test (CDE and ESSA qualifications) prior to being hired.

Experience

Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

Certificates, Licenses, & Registrations

• CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; required within three months of hire.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within three months of hire.
• Colorado driver's license and school district small vehicle operator permit may be required for some positions.
• Criminal Background Check required for hire.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers.
• Operating knowledge of assistive technology for communication preferred.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.