26 - Paraprofessional

About the role

The primary responsibility of the Paraprofessional is to assist a certified teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in Exceptional Student Services; assist children with meeting their goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP); attend to the physical and health needs of students; monitor and report student progress regarding educational performance; In addition, this position is primarily responsible for attendant physical duties to enable students with disabilities to have equal education opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students (in Pre-k through Young Adult) in an assigned classroom or program including, but not limited to Autism Classroom, or other programs
• Absorb and implement lesson plans; assist individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices, and assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards
• Communicate with teachers to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP goals and objectives
• Assist certified teacher in implementing class-wide and individual behavior strategies to effectively maintain a safe learning environment
• Assist students with washing, toileting (may include lifting on and off toilet), diapering, dressing and undressing, grooming, and other activities necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and neatness
• Operate a variety of medical, orthopedic, exercise, therapeutic, instructional, audio-visual, and office equipment
• Assist with the loading and unloading of students on and from automobiles, wheelchairs, and gurneys
• Observe and assist in emergency situations involving aggressive or uncontrolled behavior of identified students according to approved CPI (Crisis Preventative Intervention) procedures as trained; provide input as requested following emergency behavioral incidents; report progress regarding student performance and behavior to assist students to achieve their personal best
• Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as needed, directed, and delegated
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures
• Absorb and implement lesson plans; assist individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices, and assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards
• Absorb and implement lesson plans; assist individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices, and assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards
• Assist in the mobilization of students; position and reposition students requiring the use of medical equipment, wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment as necessary; assure the safe use and operation of wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, and other equipment
• Absorb and implement lesson plans; assist individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices, and assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards
• Assist with the supervision of students in and outside the classroom, recess, and other playground activities and accompany students on field trips by helping students with physical needs, maintain discipline, and reinforcing learning situations
• Help keep classrooms and other student facilities neat, clean, orderly, and safe
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information
• Participate in and attend in-service, structured, and other specialized trainings, related, but not limited to, strategies for working with behavioral and educational needs of ESS students, behavior management, instructional curriculum, and other areas assisting the teacher in providing high quality education to the students
• Maintain appropriate professional appearance

Requirements

• Required High School Diploma or equivalent
• Highly Qualified Status under ESSA
• Pass Work Keys or Praxis test, or 48 Semester Hours of College Coursework, or Associates Degree
• Reliable transportation
• Must obtain and maintain CPR and First-Aid Certification within 3 months of employment
• Must obtain and maintain Crisis Preventative Intervention (CPI) training certification within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to pass District designated post-offer lift test
• Employee must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check and must be cleared by the Office of Human Resources
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills

• Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with all people, using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Basic knowledge of subjects taught at District schools
• Demonstrate sound work ethic
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards children with special needs

Benefits

Fringe Benefits based on PPEA Negotiated Agreement

Pay

Paraprofessional Salary Schedule

Schedule

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt