Paraprofessional-Special Education

Clarke County School District – 190-day classified position, non-exempt, reports to the building principal.

About the role

The Special Education Paraprofessional supports the delivery of specialized instructional programs for students from Pre-K through K12. Paraprofessionals help students utilize available resources to enhance their learning experience, working in various settings such as classrooms, offices, and media centers. They may assist students individually or in groups, adapting to diverse educational needs to ensure all students thrive in their educational journey.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Paraprofessional license OR passed the paraprofessional assessment
• Maintains all licenses and certifications
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• At least 21 years of age (waived for individuals with minimum credit hours and an Associate Degree or higher teaching credential)

Responsibilities

• Administers achievement and diagnostic tests (math, reading, etc.) as directed by the teacher to support the instructional process.
• Assists students individually or in small groups with lesson assignments, including listening to students read, providing writing assistance, helping with computer learning programs, toilet training, and other daily tasks to reinforce learning concepts and help students reach academic goals and grade-level standards.
• Implements independent study, enrichment work, remedial work, and daily physical cleanliness tasks (toileting, dressing, teeth brushing, hair brushing, self-feeding, etc.) to reinforce learning concepts.
• Maintains classroom equipment, work area supplies, and learning aids (computers, drawing materials, etc.) to ensure availability and a safe learning environment.
• Monitors students in various settings (classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, restrooms, bus loading/unloading, etc.) to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Reports observations and incidents (accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, rule violations, safety conditions, etc.) to appropriate instructional or administrative personnel.
• Responds to emergency situations (injured students, fights, etc.) to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct to appropriate personnel.
• Supports classroom teachers with storytelling, reading, drill work, special one-on-one assistance, lunchroom duties, adaptive P.E. routines, etc., to assist in implementing appropriate behavior, curriculum, and teaching methodologies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Skills

• Operating standard office equipment and pertinent software applications
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records
• Adhering to safety practices and procedures
• Administering first aid and/or prescribed medications
• Applying physical restraint practices
• Promoting activities and/or events
• Performing basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and ratios
• Reading manuals, writing documents, and presenting information to others
• Understanding complex, multi-step written and oral instructions
• Knowledge of grammar and punctuation concepts
• Understanding stages of child development and learning styles
• Planning age-appropriate activities and behaviors
• Utilizing classroom instructional media and technology
• Awareness of cultural differences within the student population
• Understanding health standards and hazards
• Knowledge of job-related codes, laws, rules, regulations, and policies
• Methods of instruction and training
• Scheduling activities and gathering/collating data
• Communicating with diverse groups and persons of diverse backgrounds
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Setting priorities and working as part of a team
• Adapting to changing work priorities and working with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing. Additional physical abilities include:

• Some lifting
• Upper body mobility
• Vision, hearing, and speech capabilities
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions
• Mental requirements to handle diverse tasks and problem-solving