Paraprofessional

Reports to: Principal and assigned teacher

About the Role

Performs a variety of classroom support and personal care services to help students achieve productive learning experiences.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Documentation of a clear criminal record.
• Valid Ohio Department of Education Permit appropriate for the assignment.
• Self-directed and able to learn required skills for the position.
• Congenial disposition and strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Checks with the teacher for instructions.
• Works with small groups and/or individual students.
• Seeks advice when expectations are unclear.
• Upholds board policies, follows administrative procedures and complies with the Employee Code of Conduct.
• Promotes a favorable image of the school district.
• Helps students with remedial and/or enrichment activities.
• Reinforces instructional materials introduced by the teacher.
• Maintains a positive learning environment.
• Offers help when students ask or their behavior suggests they need assistance; avoids being intrusive.
• Solves student concerns discreetly.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment.
• Helps students with disabilities participate in appropriate peer group activities as directed.
• Assists with student mobility needs.
• Helps students use assisted and/or augmentative devices.
• Positions students to take full advantage of each learning environment (e.g., line-of-sight, proximity to equipment, height of work surfaces, etc.).
• Helps students with personal hygiene needs (e.g., toileting, catheterization, etc.) as trained by a licensed health care professional.
• Helps feed students.
• Follows proper sanitation procedures to comply with all personal hygiene rules.
• Actively participates in programmed recreational activities as directed.
• Supervises rest periods when applicable.
• Monitors ill students until a parent/guardian arrives.
• Respects personal privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Takes precautions to ensure student safety; does not leave students unsupervised.
• Maintains high standards and upholds the student conduct code.
• Works with the classroom teacher to address persistent behavior problems.
• Supervises non-classroom activities as directed (e.g., arrival/departure, lunch, recess, field trips, library, computer lab, etc.).
• Promotes the proper use and care of school property.
• Reports student discipline problems, vandalism, and other related concerns.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Performs clerical work related to classroom activities.
• Prepares and distributes teaching materials.
• Checks papers and scores tests as directed.
• Prepares classroom equipment for use (e.g., computers, media resources, etc.).
• Helps keep program and storage areas orderly (e.g., stores equipment, shelves books, cleans spills, etc.).
• Sanitizes classroom equipment as directed.
• Participates in parent conferences, open houses, and other required school events.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed.
• Accepts personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Wears appropriate work attire and maintains a professional appearance.
• Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Skills

• Demonstrates professionalism and maintains a positive work attitude.
• Works cooperatively to support a successful team effort.
• Effectively uses verbal, nonverbal, writing, and listening skills.
• Verifies and correctly enters data; completes detailed paperwork accurately and timely.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Uses self-control, perseverance, and physical skills to manage students.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Performs repetitive tasks quickly.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.
• Actively pursues and participates in professional growth and development.

Working Conditions

• Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties may require working during the weekend.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, or moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require standing, reaching, bending, crouching, and/or kneeling.
• Duties may require exposure to medications, cleaning solvents, and odors.
• Duties may require wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekend.