Special Education Paraprofessional

Full-time, bargaining, classified position under the supervision of the Principal. Non-exempt FLSA status. 187-day work calendar with 7-hour daily work hours (Schedule L: Column II).

About the Role

Performs a variety of classroom support and personal care services responsive to each student, ensuring opportunity and access to academic and non-academic supports for future success.

Responsibilities

• Checks with the teacher for instructions and works with small groups and/or individual students.
• Seeks advice when expectations are unclear; upholds board policies, administrative procedures, and the Employee Code of Conduct.
• Upholds computer technology acceptable use policies and promotes a favorable image of the school district.
• Helps students with remedial and/or enrichment activities; reinforces instructional materials introduced by the teacher.
• Maintains a positive learning environment and engages students in learning activities as defined through Ohio's Learning Standards under the teacher’s direction.
• Offers help when students ask or their behavior suggests they need assistance; avoids being intrusive and solves student concerns discreetly.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment and helps students with disabilities participate in peer group activities as directed.
• Assists with student mobility needs and helps students use assisted and/or augmentative devices.
• Positions students to take full advantage of each learning environment (e.g., line-of-sight, proximity to equipment, height of work surfaces).
• Helps students with personal hygiene needs (e.g., toileting, catheterization) as trained by a licensed healthcare professional; helps feed students and follows proper sanitation procedures.
• Actively participates in programmed recreational activities as directed.
• Supervises classroom and non-instructional duties as assigned, including monitoring ill students until a parent/guardian arrives.
• Respects personal privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Maintains high standards and upholds the student conduct code; works with the classroom teacher to address persistent behavior problems.
• Supervises non-classroom activities as directed (e.g., arrival/departure, lunch, recess, field trips, library, computer lab).
• Promotes the proper use and care of school property; reports student discipline problems, vandalism, and related concerns.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Performs clerical work related to classroom activities, including preparing and distributing teaching materials, prepping classroom materials, and preparing classroom equipment for use.
• Helps keep program and storage areas orderly (e.g., stores equipment, shelves books, cleans spills) and sanitizes classroom equipment as directed.
• Participates in parent conferences, open houses, and other required school events.
• Takes precautions to ensure student safety and does not leave students unsupervised.
• Attends and/or supports extra-curricular activities; participates in meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed.
• Accepts personal responsibility for decisions and conduct; wears appropriate work attire and maintains a professional appearance.
• Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Meet one of the following: Associate's Degree or higher, 48 semester hours, or passing score on State Board of Education ParaPro Assessment.
• Valid Ohio Department of Education Educational Aide Permit with the ESEA Endorsement.
• Documentation of a clear criminal record.
• Willingness and ability to assist students with toileting and feeding needs.

Skills

• Demonstrates professionalism and maintains a positive work attitude.
• Acts in accordance with the professional code of ethics and delivers a positive work environment.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Communicates effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Organizes tasks and manages time effectively; performs repetitive tasks effectively.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.

Working Conditions

• Potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, or moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require standing, reaching, bending, crouching, and/or kneeling.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekend.