Paraprofessional - Union High 26-27

About the role

To work under the direction of the principal, teachers, and counselors to support students who are identified for academic and behavioral interventions, as well as all students in the school, in achieving the educational and behavioral goals and objectives through individual, small group, or whole group instruction.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize materials for small group and individual instruction
• Maintain high academic standards and expectations
• Provide tutorial help to students following lessons prescribed by the teacher and reinforce material and skills using a variety of methods as directed by certified staff
• Respond to students’ questions and requests for assistance
• Observe students’ work and study habits
• Observe and record students’ time on task when needed
• Absorb and assist students in locating prescribed instructional materials and starting their assignments
• Absorb and assist the classroom teacher in the delivery of an effective instructional, intervention, and behavioral program
• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material, skills introduced by the teacher, and behavioral supports
• Help students master equipment or instructional materials assigned by teacher
• Identify pupil needs and provide instruction appropriate to those needs
• Follow modifications and accommodations as specified in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
• Assist with such large group activities as drill and practice, reading aloud, and storytelling, and participate in other forms of oral communication with students
• Guide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work assigned by the teacher
• Check notebooks, correct papers, and supervise testing and make-up work as assigned by the teacher
• Administer, score, and record such achievement and diagnostic tests as the teacher recommends for individual students
• Encourage students to strive to meet their highest potential
• Communicate classroom rules and encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities
• Alert the supervising teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student
• Keep the supervising teacher informed of activities and any issues that may arise
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Distribute and collect workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Keep accurate records and maintain individual records for each student
• Offer workshops of interest for students as time and schedule permits
• Advise or support student groups throughout the year, as needed
• Accompanies the student(s) to various locations within the school, as needed
• Aids in the collection of data documenting student behavior for instructional purposes
• Serves as a resource person to the child study team as needed
• Works closely with Administration, Teachers, and Counselors
• Acts as a liaison with parents and community mentors
• Set appropriate boundaries with students and families
• Use available resources and research based strategies to assist in improving student achievement
• Mediate between students, using Restorative Practices or other related means
• Aids in the creation of a safe learning environment
• Collaborates with counselors to provide intervention and resources for drug or alcohol issues
• Attends faculty meetings as required
• Assumes responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development through such efforts as reading professional journals and other publications
• Seeks assistance should emergencies arise
• Represents the school district in a positive manner
• Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualification Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Must meet Para Professional requirements
• Bachelor's Degree or 32 core academic credits from an accredited university (with a passing grade of “C” of better) or Pass the Para Pro assessment with a score of 460 or higher
• Experience working with At-Risk students preferred
• Para Professional experience preferred
• Must have current CPI training or be willing to be CPI trained
• Attend Bus Training upon hire at Union
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Demonstrate aptitude for working with adolescents
• Works well with students, staff, and the public
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under pressures and deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality of staff and students
• Communication Skills
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret governmental regulations and legal documents
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees and/or the general public
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is preferred
• Problem Solving Skills
• Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns
• PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY SKILLS
• Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frame
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
• Ability to conduct basic math functions, as well as manipulate formulas in spreadsheets
• REASONING ABILITY
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheets (Excel), database (Access), presentation software and accounting/financial software
• 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 regularly works inside and occasionally meets deadlines with severe time constraints
• Offsite and home visits may be required with this position in relation to students’ individual needs and supports