Paraprofessional - Special Education

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, the paraprofessional works as a team member to assist students in the special education classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives. This role includes non-instructional tasks, skill reinforcement, and fostering additional adult/student relationships.

Schedule

5.75 hours/day, 5 days/week, 38 weeks/year

Responsibilities

• Assists and guides students in education and social development individually and in small groups to reinforce essential learning skills.
• Assists professional staff in administering classroom assignments and assessments.
• Prepares and differentiates instructional materials and strategies according to individual student needs, including constructing, copying, distributing, and using educational materials.
• Completes district-provided Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training and maintains certification as required.
• Works within data tracking systems to document student learning, progress, and performance aligned with Individual Education Programs (IEP), Personal Care Services (PCS), and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP).
• Supervises students in non-instructional areas such as lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridors, and study halls.
• Assists with students' medical, grooming, and self-care needs, including eating, tooth brushing, toileting, and diapering as outlined in individualized Personal Care Services (PCS).
• Accompanies students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Assists with parent contact to foster effective and participatory involvement in student education.
• Supports students with disabilities in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP goals.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student evaluation team.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize participation in school, social, and learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations for assisting students, including those with disabilities or special needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two years of study at an institution of higher learning (equal to 60 credits) OR an associate's degree (or higher) OR passing an approved formal state academic assessment.
• Prior experience working with students with disabilities.
• Knowledge and training in proper classroom management techniques, such as verbal de-escalation skills and physical interventions, including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), may be required.
• Willingness to participate in professional development as identified by the principal, special education department, or school district.

Skills

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Basic arithmetic skills to assist students as needed.
• Proficiency in using personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student, employee, and other sensitive information.
• Ability to establish supportive and compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in an economically, culturally, and racially diverse environment.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Physical ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work in a loud to moderate noise environment.
• Mental functions including comparing, analyzing, communicating, coordinating, instructing, computing, synthesizing, evaluating, interpersonal skills, compiling, and negotiating.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel

Travel between schools and between schools and central offices may be required.