Instructional Assistant/Paraprofessional

About the role

An instructional assistant/paraprofessional is an individual who is non-certified in the area in which they are assisting (even though he/she may be licensed or certified in a profession or a technical field) who aids a certified professional in a team approach, to the performance of the certified professional's assigned program responsibilities.

Responsibilities

The day-to-day job duties of an instructional assistant/paraprofessional are determined by the classroom teacher or his/her designee, as they may vary depending upon the changing needs of the classroom(s), student(s), and/or school district. Instructional assistants/paraprofessionals of any capacity are subject to daily reassignment, depending on the needs of the day.

• Executes instructional activities with individual students or small groups of students following teacher direction and demonstration.
• Provides review and reinforcement in assigned academic subject area; tutors in general education classroom subjects; assists with homework assignments.
• Provides assistance to students during special classes (art, music, etc.).
• Assists students in special education and general education classes.
• Assists in preparation of materials for class, classroom activities, assignments, location of supplementary materials from school library and other resources areas.
• Orally administers and transcribes tests if appropriate.
• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and review material set up and assigned by the teacher.
• Implements behavior management programs designed by teachers and/or school psychologist.
• Counts and records specific student behaviors; administers procedures in the positive behavior support plan.
• Monitors student use of instructional equipment.
• Provides general maintenance of equipment including cleaning and disinfecting.
• Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher, while maintaining a consistent level of respect and professionalism.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected in the classroom teachers.
• Assists with student supervision in regards to: Leaving and entering transportation vehicles (when directed), and accompanies students to and from classroom.
• Emergency drills.
• Use of equipment
• Activities of daily living (when directed)
• Observes and intervenes to redirect inappropriate behavior
• Monitors and guides student(s) to pay attention, participate in activities and complete tasks.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Proof of a high school diploma or higher education
• A Pennsylvania Criminal Records check (Act 34) that is clean and less than 5 years old
• A Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance History (Act 151) that is clean and less than 5 years old
• A FBI Criminal History Record that is clean and less than 5 years old
• Proof of a TB test or chest x-ray that is less than 3 months
• 3 professional references (contact information) and/or letters
• A Resume
• Routing number and account number for direct deposit setup
• 2 Valid forms of Identification for I-9

Physical Requirements

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.

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Ability to quickly trail any student that elopes
• Moderate lifting from 15-35 pounds
• Moving of various items - up to 30 pounds
• Manual dexterity to use office equipment

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work is performed in all areas of district buildings, grounds, vehicles, and/or any area in which a district activity or function is taking place. Exposed to varying degrees of temperature relative to the conditions occurring in nature outside.