Paraeducator-MCE

Primary Purpose: To support the instructional program by facilitating communication for deaf-blind students.

Qualifications

• High School diploma (or equivalent) required.
• All Elementary Paraeducators must be Highly Qualified (48+ college hours, college degree, or pass the Highly Qualified Assessment).
• Has not completed, or is in the process of completing, the training program through Utah University and is not credentialed as an Intervener Specialist for the deaf-blind (ISDB).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students.
• Job-related experience is desired.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the licensed staff member to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Facilitates communication and learning for the deaf-blind student using tactile signing, object symbols, tactile symbols, braille, etc.
• Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g., tube feeding, toileting, diapering) to provide required care for assigned students.
• Attends field trips, extracurricular activities, and sporting events to provide interpretation services for the deaf-blind student.
• Attends a variety of meetings (e.g., staff meetings, in-services, workshops) to acquire and convey information relative to job functions.
• Instructs hearing-impaired students under the supervision of the teacher to implement goals and improve students' success by converting language to SEE or ASL.
• Assists in the implementation of instructional plans designed by the IEP team to reinforce learning concepts previously presented by a licensed staff member.
• Maintains instructional materials, files, and records, ensuring availability of items, providing written references, and recording progress toward IEP goals and objectives.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of environments (e.g., classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, community) to support a safe and positive learning environment.
• Rides school bus with students, as needed, to and from school to provide interpretation services.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, etc., to implement IEP objectives and assist in evaluating progress.
• Models desired behaviors (e.g., conversation, manners, cleaning activities, listening, everyday interactions) for students in multiple settings.
• Reports incidents to maintain personal safety of students, provide a positive learning environment, and adhere to State Law and school policies as a mandated reporter.
• Ability to learn, understand, and reteach appropriate curriculum to meet student needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Mental & Physical Demands

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and phone, standard classroom technology including computer and peripherals, and specialized equipment for the hearing impaired.
• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent walking, pushing/pulling; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping.
• Motion: Frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; significant use of hands and fine motor dexterity.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (up to 20 pounds).
• Environment: Primarily indoors; some outdoor student supervision.
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; solve problems; make decisions; be flexible.
• Attendance: Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance/punctuality as required by Board of Education policies and regulations.

Clearances: Background check and current TB test required.