SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA EDUCATOR - 7 HRS/DAY - UP TO $1,000 BONUS PAY AVAILABLE

About the Role

This special education position qualifies for the $4.00 Special Education Differential pay as outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement between DCSD and the Davenport Association of Para Educators.

Pay

Wages: $18.93/hour for new hires at entry level ($14.93/hr). Current employees in the bargaining unit should refer to the salary schedule established by their applicable bargaining group.

Responsibilities

• Provide research-based social skills instruction and intervention under the supervision of a certified teacher.
• Attend additional required evening trainings or meetings during the school year or summer.
• Accept and implement feedback from specialists and special education facilitators regarding instruction.
• Follow directives of classroom teacher, building administration, and district administration.
• Work with students who exhibit explosive behavior, including physical and verbal aggression.
• Support students with learning, behavior, physical, and/or cognitive disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Provide services for special education students in both special and general education settings.
• Under the direction of a special education teacher, provide academic assistance, behavior interventions, and instruction in social and daily living skills.
• Attend field trips with students as necessary.
• Ensure regular attendance to meet IEP services and provide FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education).
• Analyze situations and respond appropriately.
• Interact with all students and provide varied assistance as required.
• Work as a team player to assist in all aspects of the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, and other areas.
• Supervise students in the classroom, during meals, in the building, on field trips, and at work sites.
• Work individually or with small groups of students as assigned.
• Assist students with restroom needs, including toileting, diapering, and hygiene care.
• Accompany students to physical education and assist as needed.
• Manage the environment and protect students during the school day.
• Follow multiple behavior plans simultaneously and implement changes as directed.
• Initiate activities with students as needed.
• Navigate the City Bus System (with training) and accompany students to community and building work sites.
• Provide instruction, supervision, and behavior modification at work sites independently.
• Collect and graph accurate data as guided by the teacher.
• Complete necessary paperwork accurately and timely.
• Support Davenport's multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) for behavior and academics.
• Pass a Medicaid Fraud background check prior to hire and maintain clearance.
• Physically restrain students if trained and as directed by building principals.
• Adapt to daily changes in assignments to meet the needs of special education students.
• Remain calm and respectful when students are in crisis.
• Engage in collaborative work and team planning.
• Perform duties that may require lifting, toileting, hygiene care, extended standing or sitting, and riding the bus with students.
• Participate in and direct extensive physical activities.
• Model a positive attitude and team cooperation.
• Maintain confidentiality and accept direction from special education teachers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, speak, hear, see, and walk.
• Occasionally lift, move, or push items up to 50 lbs, such as assisting children or moving furniture.
• Supervise students in all types of weather and meet multiple demands from several people.
• Implement Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies, including physical restraint and escorting.

Work Environment

• Noise level ranges from quiet to loud.
• Work may be indoors and/or outdoors, including non-air-conditioned rooms.
• Tobacco and alcohol-free environment.
• Fast-paced atmosphere with constant contact with students, staff, or the public.
• Direct responsibility for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.

Qualifications

• Ability to work with students who have significant academic, behavior, and social skills difficulties.
• Genuine care and concern for all students with a willingness to help them succeed.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directives of certified staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students.
• Flexibility in day-to-day schedule and changing duties as needed.
• Ability to climb stairs, walk long distances, and navigate the City Bus System (with training).
• Patience, dependability, and the ability to accept responsibility for students.