Paraprofessional - Special Education - Level 2

About the role

Under the supervision of the building administrator, this position works closely with one or several pupils with disabilities on a regular basis to provide the physical assistance and emotional support they need to gain full benefits from the district's special education program.

Responsibilities

• Assist student(s) in physical tasks and reinforce instructional content.
• Assist student(s) with physical tasks such as putting on and taking off outer wear, moving between rooms, using the lavatory, and other self‑help or classroom needs; accompany students requiring supervision outside the classroom as necessary.
• Work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teaching staff, under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Establish an appropriate supportive relationship with the student(s) while maintaining dialogue with teaching staff, providing information/data on student progress and performance.
• Operate and care for a variety of equipment used in conjunction with the instructional program.
• Assist with maintaining an appropriate classroom environment, including helping the teacher devise and implement special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students’ needs, interests, and abilities.
• Assist with the reasonable supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, instructional activities, and any other school‑wide needs.
• Serve as the chief source of information and assistance for any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the special education teacher.
• Assist with the collection and distribution of instructional material and with record keeping and student documentation.
• Support and demonstrate the core values of Stafford Schools.
• Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to the position.
• Respond to written and oral requests for information promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance appropriate to the position.
• Maintain a record of appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serve as a role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Work in close harmony with colleagues, supervisors, and co‑workers.
• Comply with all district and school policies and regulations, including confidentiality guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic curriculum expectations and IEP goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of basic teaching strategies.
• Skills in basic computer applications.
• Awareness of the needs of students with disabilities and the need for alternative instructional strategies to meet those needs.
• Basic reading and computation skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals.
• Ability to organize and perform work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines for all work, even when handling multiple projects.
• Ability to show sustained effort and enthusiasm in the quality and quantity of work.

Requirements

Work environment is primarily inside but may include outdoor responsibilities, with moderate noise and temperatures that may include exposure to weather conditions; no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements. The work is moderate, requiring exertion of up to 50 pounds of force to move or lift objects. Required physical and mental abilities include: standing for prolonged periods; sitting for prolonged periods; moving the hands, wrists, or fingers repetitively; moving with force on the back or lower body repetitively; feeling, grasping, or holding objects by hand; identifying colors visually; identifying objects in low light or distant conditions; communicating via spoken and written language; perceiving sounds; making decisions using logic and rational thinking. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions.