Paraprofessional - Student Services at Bellows Falls Union High School

Position Type

Support Staff, Non-exempt, Full-time, Permanent

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred
• Must have at least 48 college credits OR have passed (or the ability to pass) the Praxis ParaPro exam OR otherwise meet Title I requirements (not required for behavior support positions without instructional duties)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to respond appropriately to students in a supportive manner while exercising sound judgment
• Experience with school-aged children, including students with disabilities, preferred
• Basic academic, technology, and data tracking skills, including proficiency with Google Workspace tools
• Ability to be positive, flexible, and collaborative and work as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance

Reports to

Building Principal and/or Director of Student Services with daily workflow direction by classroom teacher or special education teacher

About the role

The Paraprofessional works closely with certified staff to support students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development in school settings. Responsibilities may include assisting with instruction, supervising students, collecting data, and supporting the implementation of student support plans, depending on assignment. A positive, flexible, and collaborative approach is essential, along with the ability to work effectively as part of a team in support of student success.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
• Support students’ social-emotional growth, independence, and positive peer interactions
• Communicate and collaborate with teachers, case managers, related service providers and other administrators
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development
• Supervise students throughout the school day, including transitions, meals, recess, transportation, and activities
• Maintain confidentiality and follow district policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Implement moderate modifications and accommodations as outlined in student IEPs or 504 plans
• Support students with mild to moderate social/emotional needs using standard classroom management and established positive behavior intervention strategies
• Collect and record routine student data (e.g., progress on academic goals, task completion) to assist with quarterly IEP reporting
• Facilitate small group or individualized instruction under the direct guidance of either a special education or general education teacher
• Monitor, observe, and document student progress/behavior; maintaining records as required
• Reinforce instruction, skills, academic and social/emotional skill content under special education/classroom teacher direction
• Adapt materials and instructional approaches to meet individual student needs
• Assist with instructional activities for individuals and small groups
• Support student participation and inclusion while promoting independence
• Implement positive behavior support or social skills plans as designed by student team
• Assist with student physical needs, including mobility, positioning, and personal care as required
• Respond to crisis situations and follow established protocols, including physical intervention when trained and required
• Communicate with case managers and participate in student meetings as requested

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach and sit
• Manual dexterity required to finger, handle or grasp objects
• Must be able to hear, talk and see
• May involve interaction with students demonstrating challenging behaviors
• May require training in and implementation of approved physical restraint procedures, as applicable
• May require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, assist with student mobility and sit on the floor as needed