Paraprofessional - Special Education - Level 2-Highly Qualified

Location: School Based • Part-time, 10-month (185-day) staff calendar • Non-Exempt

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 physical assistance and emotional support, ensuring they gain full benefits from the district's special education program.

Responsibilities

• Assists student(s) in physical tasks and reinforces instructional content.
• Helps 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; accompanies student(s) requiring supervision outside the classroom as needed.
• Works with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by teaching staff, under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Establishes a supportive relationship with student(s) while maintaining dialogue with teaching staff regarding student progress and performance.
• Operates and cares for equipment used in the instructional program.
• Assists in maintaining an appropriate classroom environment, including helping devise and implement special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on individual student needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provides reasonable supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other school-wide activities.
• Serves as the chief source of information and assistance to substitute teachers in the absence of the Special Education teacher.
• Assists with the collection and distribution of instructional materials, record keeping, and student documentation.
• Engages in ongoing professional development relevant to the position.
• Responds promptly and thoroughly to written and oral requests for information.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree, minimum 60 semester college credits, or passing score on ParaPro exam with a High School Diploma or GED.

Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of curriculum expectations and IEP goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of basic teaching strategies.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications.
• Awareness of the needs of students with disabilities and alternative instructional strategies.
• Basic reading and computation skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and organize work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Sustained effort and enthusiasm in maintaining quality and quantity of work.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Primarily indoor work environment, with potential outdoor responsibilities; moderate noise levels and exposure to weather conditions.
• Moderate physical work, requiring exertion of up to 50 pounds of force to move or lift objects.
• Essential functions include:
  • Standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
  • Repetitive movement of hands, wrists, fingers, back, or lower body.
  • Feeling, grasping, or holding objects by hand.
  • Visual identification of colors and objects in low light or distant conditions.
  • Effective communication via spoken and written language.
  • Perceiving sounds and making decisions using logic and rational thinking.

Reasonable accommodations will be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.