Paraprofessional - Unity Point

General

Under the guidance and supervision of the teacher, a primary goal of the teacher-school health aide is to assist the teacher to provide an organized and effective learning environment for students, redirect students when needed per the student's behavior intervention plan, and assist with activities of daily living if necessitated by the student's medical condition.

Term

Generally a (9) nine month contract based on 176 work days. Hours to be determined by supervisor, based on building assignment and student needs.

Performance Responsibilities

• Training will be required of all teacher-school health aides. The extent and content of training will be determined by the program supervisor and/or authorized by the Director of Special Education.
• Carry out learning activities which are consistent with teacher direction and the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Function as a team member by showing initiative, being prompt and punctual in attendance, contributing to a positive learning and work environment, and lending special expertise and talents.
• Carry out school approved behavior management plans with teacher direction.
• Responsible for daily record keeping and providing feedback on student performance as assigned.
• Carry out routine duties such as supervision of recess, bus, mealtime, and hallway duties; record keeping such as student attendance and lunch money; preparation, maintenance, and inventory of materials; straightening, washing tables, putting materials away, clean-up after snack, etc.
• Observe and provide for the health and safety of all students including the provision of special health and hygiene procedures.
• Assisting students with Health Related Service Activities as required according to individual student needs.
• Demonstrate ethical use of confidential information.
• Aid in the development of motor skills such as positioning, range of motion, weight bearing, endurance, and coordination.
• Aid in the development of communication skills which may include sign language, language boards, and specialized instruction.
• Assume responsibility for conducting activities as per general school guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Acquire new skills by assisting in the identification of inservice needs and participate in in-service sessions including staff meetings under the direction of the appropriate supervisor (s).
• Absorb new skills by assisting in the identification of inservice needs and participate in in-service sessions including staff meetings under the direction of the appropriate supervisor (s).
• Absorb new skills by assisting in the identification of inservice needs and participate in in-service sessions including staff meetings under the direction of the appropriate supervisor (s).
• Perform vision and hearing screenings if certified and assist in all child find activities.
• Aids with vision and hearing certification can anticipate spending approximately 10% of their time with child find activities. Those without certification will spend approximately 5% of their time with child find activities.
• Assist in the office with assimilating and stapling materials as time permits or as needed.
• May assist as a temporary assignment in office or janitorial as needed.
• Assistance with supervising students on field trips.
• Participation in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) both verbal de-escalation techniques as well as physical intervention when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with institutional need.

Integration of Technology

• Demonstrates continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
• Participate in the plan and design of effective learning environments and experiences supported by available software and technology.
• Assist in the implementation of curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning in the curriculum of one’s subject area(s) and/or grade level(s).
• Apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
• Able to learn and use email, school attendance program, and electronically complete and submit time sheets.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Sixty hours of college level credit, preference given to Associates Degree or higher education and/or Pass Work Keys or ETS Para-Pro Assessment
• Preference given to individuals with experience working with disability category of hire
• All aides must obtain the Licensure and register credentials with the Illinois State Board of Education.

Skills

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds individually and 75 pounds with assistance.

Benefits

• The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.
• Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
• Compensation and benefits are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.