Paraprofessional II-A SPED

About the role

The job of PARA II - SPEC ED is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.
• Administers tests, homework, make-up work for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students for the purpose of maintaining students’ personal hygiene.
• Attends meetings and professional development (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Follows under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Maintains a safe and positive learning environment by monitoring students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.).
• Provides instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge: Required to perform basic math, read manuals, write documents, and present information to others; understand instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/behavior.
• Skills: Required to adhere to safety practices, operate standard office equipment, and prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability: Required to schedule activities, gather and/or collate data, use basic job-related equipment; adapt to changing work priorities; communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; work as part of a team; and work with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Work Environment

• Physical Demands: Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 75% walking, 10% standing.
• Risk of Injury and/or Illness: Some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience

Job related experience is desired.

Education (Preferred)

48 hours of College Credit or a passing score on the Para-Pro Test

Education

High School diploma or equivalent.

Required Testing

None Specified

Certificates and Licenses

None Specified

Continuing Educ./Training

None Specified

Clearances

None Specified

FLSA Status

Non Exempt

Department

Paraprofessional

Role

Paraprofessional I/I-A/HeadStart/EC

Locations

To Be Determined

About Topeka Public Schools

Our Vision: Topeka Public Schools is recognized nationally for: - Academic excellence - Post-secondary and career success - Achievement in arts, athletics and extracurricular activities Strengthened by diversity and a welcoming and inclusive environment, our district will cultivate partnerships with staff, families, businesses, and the greater community to develop students' educational, physical, and social-emotional well being. Our Mission: Engage students in the highest quality learning. Prepare students for responsible and productive citizenship. Inspire excellence for a lifetime.