Para Special Education High Incidence (2026-2027 School Year)

About the Role

Under the supervision of an administrator and direction of a certificated/licensed staff, assist the teacher in the education of students. This includes instructional assistance, organization, record keeping, and management of student behavior, classroom safety, and communication with students, support staff, and parents. Students may have cognitive disabilities, communication disabilities, and social, behavioral, and/or emotional disabilities, and are in need of academic and/or adaptive behavior skills instruction.

Responsibilities

• Supervises students in class setting as directed by the teacher
• Assists in managing classroom routines and procedures
• Assists in the interventions to redirect behavior, assesses crisis situations, intervenes to defuse situations, documents any occurrences, and provides feedback to develop positive self-esteem of students
• Assists the teacher by supervising school activities on or off campus during the course of the instructional day
• Assists in the implementing of student behavior plans
• Assists students to and from assigned areas within the building to facilitate integration efforts
• Assists the teacher in the physical setup of the classroom for group instruction, projects, and activities
• Assists in the integration of technology into the classroom
• Participates in effective teaming skills, collaboration, conflict resolution, and communication
• Provides individual and/or group instruction which may include regular education students in academic areas after initial instruction by teacher
• Is assigned to a regular classroom program where special education students are assigned
• Provides feedback to students and teachers
• Assists students through the use of questioning and discussion techniques
• Assists with student engagement with the curriculum
• Assists students with self-advocacy
• Assists students in using technology
• Exhibits oral and written communication that is clear and expressive
• Assists with child development and language acquisition
• Assists students with the integration into regular education classroom
• Assists the teacher with the designing of instruction and follow through
• Assists the teacher in the development and implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Demonstrates knowledge of district resources
• Assists the teacher with planning and implementation of any type of community-based instruction
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality of information regarding students and staff
• Models appropriate behavior for students
• Develops and maintains a professional rapport with classroom teacher and other staff
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of students, staff, and parents
• Communicates with students, parents, instructional, and support staff by letter, phone, e-mail, fax, or personal contact as directed by the administrator or classroom teacher
• Observes and charts student behavior and assists in discipline of students as instructed by the teacher
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritize and organize
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, PLCs, and parent conferences as required
• Acquires a minimum of 20 hours of in-service annually (10 hours after 3 years)
• Assists students to and from buses and assists the drivers until departure time
• Assists in the transportation of students
• Accepts responsibility for travel between buildings and assignments when necessary
• Assists in caring for students' medical needs under the direct supervision of the school nurse or other appropriate professional
• Assists students with basic needs including but not limited to self-care, hygiene, feeding (may include tube feeding), toileting, diapering, dressing, and physical transfers
• Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor

Equipment

This position may require the ability to use SMART boards, iPads, and basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel

Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to work in various weather conditions
• Ability to react immediately to emergency situations for the safety and welfare of students and staff, which may include the use of physical restraint techniques
• Ability to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps, and reach overhead
• Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability, and stamina for a full day of physical activity
• Ability to see and hear well
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in developing and delivering training to meet targeted needs
• Some positions may require knowledge of various sign language modalities, Braille, NCI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention), or other special skills
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to convey and obtain information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor when discretion is needed
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions, and prioritize work
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of the district's mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving them

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Paras working in a Title School must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits (verifiable with a transcript) or pass a state-approved assessment
• Some positions may require knowledge of various sign language modalities, Braille, NCI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention), or other special skills
• Some positions require in-service training or coursework in first aid, symptoms of child abuse, and/or symptoms and signs of illness

Work Environment

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Works under the direct supervision of the department supervisor to complete day-to-day tasks
• Works with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee punctuality and appearance are expected to reflect a positive image of USD 259 and be appropriate for the position. Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator.