Paraprofessional - Special Education

Department: Student Support Services
Reports To: Director of Student Support Services / Grade Level Principal

About the Role

The special education paraprofessional will work closely with one or a group of special needs students on a regular basis to provide them with the physical help and emotional support they need to gain the full benefits from their educational placement under the direction of the supervising teacher(s).

Responsibilities

• Assist assigned student(s) with physical tasks as directed by supervisor, assigned teacher, or principal.
• Provide reinforcement to students in reading, math, science, social studies, or other areas, including activities of daily living, as directed by supervisor.
• Support the teacher with methods, materials, and strategies for reinforcing target children; collect data as assigned by teachers or ancillary service providers.
• Aid the teacher, when requested, in communication between home and school.
• Participate in ongoing staff development.
• Help plan scheduling to meet student needs; collect and/or prepare materials to support student learning.
• Communicate regularly with teachers regarding student needs and progress.
• Maintain strict confidentiality about the school, teachers, children, and their families.
• Cover classes and supervise lunches as needed.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree, 60 hours of college credits, or proof of passage of the Paraprofessional Test.
• High School diploma required.
• Successful experience working with children preferred.

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as textbooks, teacher manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of students or faculty.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Awareness of school requirements and Board of Education policies.
• Ability to operate computers and related software or willingness to learn computer hardware and software skills.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, or stand. The employee may be required to offer physical assistance, including help with toileting, transferring students to/from wheelchairs, or during physical education activities.

Benefits

This position is benefit eligible.