Paraeducator-Upper Bucks County

About the role

A Paraeducator is responsible for assisting the teacher/therapist in providing instruction and support to assigned students in an educational setting, which is designed to promote intellectual, behavioral, emotional, and social growth. Paraeducators can be assigned to individual students or to multiple students. All functions are performed under the direction of the teacher/therapist. The position requires the employee to support students with a variety of needs, which may include individuals who exhibit aggressive behaviors and/or self-injurious behavior. The Paraeducator will be trained to meet the individual needs of the students that they are assigned to with the classroom or setting. In some cases, the Paraeducator will serve as an itinerant and work in homes and community settings within Bucks County.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one tutoring (if such tutoring is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher).
• Aid in classroom management, such as organizing instructional and/or other materials.
• Act as a liaison in communicating with teacher and other IU and district staff regarding ongoing needs of students.
• Support parental involvement activities.
• Provide support across all educational settings; escort and supervise students to various locations across all educational settings.
• Aid in supporting students with equipment, augmentative communication devices, ambulation, positioning, and transfers.
• Monitor the incidence and prevalence of designated health problems or medical conditions (e.g., seizure precautions or extreme lethargy).
• Accompany student on school bus or other vehicle.
• Cue, redirect or monitor to ensure that the student performs ADL tasks when a cognitive impairment prevents a student from knowing when or how to carry out the task (e.g., a student may not be able to dress without instruction on how to do so or need reminders of what to do and when).
• Observe/monitor and redirect/intervention to assist with completion of ADL’s.
• Cue the student to pay attention, participate in activities and complete tasks.
• Aid in the implementation of each student's IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) and C.E.Rs (if applicable).
• Aid in data collection of student performance.
• May be trained, when qualified, to occasionally transport students.
• Follow any individualized support plans that may be a part of a student's educational program (e.g., behavior, communication, health, transportation).
• Track information about each student including needs, strengths, gains and problem areas.
• Aid in setting up educational environment and preparing materials for instruction.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by the immediate supervisor.

Requirements

• Meet the designation of a Bucks IU “Highly Qualified” Paraeducator by showing evidence of at least one of the following: Associate or Bachelor Degree, at least 48 college/university credits, or a high school diploma or equivalency and successfully pass a local assessment.
• Experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of processing software, email, sending attachments, and tracking billing.
• CPR & First Aid Certification Required.
• Crisis Prevention Institute Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training Required.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and remain calm.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Skills

• Ability to work with individuals who exhibit aggressive behaviors and/or self-injurious behavior.
• Knowledge of special education techniques and strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents, teachers, and other professionals involved in the student's education.
• Ability to use and maintain augmentative communication devices.
• Ability to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and monitor health conditions.
• Ability to implement Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and C.E.Rs (if applicable).

Benefits

The Bucks IU offers excellent employee benefit plan options, including PSERS pension plan and a flexible, school calendar work schedule. Positions are available in various locations/school districts throughout Bucks County.

Pay

The pay for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 185-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours are dependent on assignment, work location, and the needs of the district. A typical, full-time work day is 7.5 hours. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.