Special Education Paraeducator

About the Role

Wayfinder’s Special Education School offers children and youth, ages 5 to 22, who are visually impaired or have moderate-to-severe disabilities a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In the least restrictive environment in our state-certified, non-public school, teachers develop students’ communication, mobility, and functional skills to increase their independence. The Instructional Aide provides direct care for blind, visually impaired, and multi-handicapped children ages 5-21 and supports the Special Education Teacher. The role focuses on helping students increase daily living skills, socialization, independence, and pre-vocational skills. This is a non-exempt position that reports to the Special Education Teacher.

Hourly wage range: $20.50 - $22.00.

Responsibilities

• Implements IEP (Individualized Education Plan) objectives under the supervision of the teacher, including lesson plans on individualized goals and objectives such as meal plans and pre-vocational skills.
• Supervises students to ensure their health and safety.
• Uses observational skills to remain aware of changes in the behavior and physical condition of the students.
• Prepares instructional materials and maintains order and cleanliness in the learning environment.
• Provides services, support, and intervention directly to the students under the guidance and following the instructions of the Special Education Teacher.
• Provides daily living skills instruction including but not limited to tooth brushing, showering, dressing, bed-making, toileting, toilet training, and eating.
• Completes detailed documentation and record-keeping on student’s individual progress, including maintaining logs on student behavior or incidents for communicating with school staff, parents, and residential staff.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or Associate’s degree in Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, or related field from an accredited college/university is preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with students in special education is preferred.
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities is preferred.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years of good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4%.
• Employee referral program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans.