Paraeducator Special Education - Resource 6.5 hours/day

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay

Minimum entry rate: $17.32/hour. Starting hourly rate will be determined based on experience in a full-time, paid job with like duties held in the previous 10 years (1% per year starting in year 2, not to exceed the max hiring range of 5%). Associates degree or higher in a like field may be considered for a 1% increase, combined with experience not to exceed 5% in addition to starting hourly rate for position. Performance pay up to $600 available annually.

Schedule

Full-time: 1902 hours / 184 work days, 11 paid holidays (9-month calendar). Part-time option: 1802 hours.

Benefits

• Paid time off and holidays
• Matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Health and life insurance
• Wellness programs
• Professional growth credit

About the Role

Provide instructional support under the supervision of the special education teacher in a special education environment or as required by an individual education plan (IEP). Support students with varying high-incidence disabilities (e.g., specific learning disabilities, speech-language disabilities, other health impairments) in inclusion/resource settings.

Responsibilities

• Student Support & Instruction: Reinforce material and skills by working with individual students or small groups.
• Social-Emotional Development: Assist students with their social and emotional needs, helping them build positive behaviors and navigate social situations. Support behavioral plans and strategies to foster a productive and positive learning environment.
• Supervision & Safety: Actively supervise students during all school activities, including emergency drills, assemblies, field trips, and lunch. Ensure students' well-being and safety. Report any potential concerns, such as substance use or dangerous situations, based on daily observations.
• Classroom Operations: Help maintain a quiet and orderly classroom.
• Communication & Confidentiality: Alert the teacher to any student problems or special information. Share sensitive student and staff information on a need-to-know basis.
• Flexibility & Teamwork: Be flexible and perform other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the position.
• Assist students with toileting and personal hygiene as directed by the classroom teacher.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• For Title 1 schools only: Associate's Degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited university, or satisfactory results on an AZ state-approved competency exam (parapro exam is administered by district at no cost to employee).
• CPR/First Aid certification (provided by district).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer and related software.
• Satisfactory criminal background check.

Skills & Professional Qualities

• Respond to all internal and external customers in a prompt, efficient, friendly, and patient manner.
• Function effectively as a team member.
• Be responsible, reliable, and punctual.
• Be flexible and adaptable to change.
• Positively accept direction.
• Maintain courteous, cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Direct constructive feedback toward improving the district.
• Exercise positive problem-solving behavior and conflict resolution skills.
• Adhere to the dress code appropriate to the site and job.
• Be a positive role model for students.
• Work with a large cross-section of people in a professional and non-judgmental manner.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility and Movement: Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, and sit. The role involves repetitive finger and manual dexterity.
• Sensory and Communication: Requires the ability to speak, hear, and see (with correction) to perform essential job functions.
• Physical Exertion:
  • Occasionally: Lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequently: Lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Constantly: Lift or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

• May be exposed to environmental factors such as odors, dust, poor ventilation, workspace restrictions, bloodborne pathogens, and loud noises.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Core Values

• Excellence: Excellence in all we do, valuing quality in every aspect of the organization.
• Equity and Fairness: Education as the great leveler, ensuring all students, staff, and patrons have the opportunity, tools, and ability to succeed.
• Collaboration: An effective decision-making and morale-enhancing model.
• Integrity: Honesty, integrity, and reliability as the foundations of the organization.
• Efficiency: The essence of being a good steward of public trust, demonstrating careful use of resources.