Special Education Paraprofessional (Districtwide)

Reports to: Principal, Director of Student Support Services, and/or classroom teacher. Position Type: 9 Month Full-Time. Union Eligible.

About the role

In cooperation with the teacher, to provide a well-organized, smoothly functioning class environment in which students can take full advantage of instructional program and available resource materials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Minimum of 60 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited institution OR passed a test of basic skills (ETS Paraprofessional or ACT Work Keys) OR holds an associate's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

Requirements

Physical Ability: Tasks involve regular and at times sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling of moderately heavy objects (up to 20‑50 lbs). Sensory Requirements: ability to perceive and discriminate odors, tastes; oral communication; visual perception and discrimination. Environmental Factors: exposure to strong odors, wetness, humidity, machinery, temperature. Specific abilities: climbing ladders, maintaining balance, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, visual acuity, repetitive wrist/hand/finger motions.

Responsibilities

• Prompt and regular attendance.
• Assist with classroom activities under direction of a certified teacher (includes PE).
• Assist with instruction of small groups of students.
• Assist in preparation of instructional materials and perform activities utilizing technology when needed.
• Assist any students, including those with special needs, setting up special equipment as needed.
• Assist in keeping classrooms orderly and presentable.
• Assist teacher in duties relating to supervision of playground, cafeteria, bathroom, and bus duty activities.
• Assist students with dressing, feeding, toileting, and health needs as deemed necessary (may include changing diapers and personal hygiene).
• Assist with field trip supervision.
• Assist staff in behavior management implementation, circulating around the room.
• Provide information to the teacher regarding student progress.
• Maintain a professional, confidential attitude toward work, students, and other adults.
• Be flexible and willing to listen and make changes when needed.
• Demonstrate ability to perform physical tasks associated with the job model, prompt and reinforce appropriate social behaviors.
• Cooperate with building personnel during routine activities.
• Participate in staff development workshops and meetings during contractual work day.
• Actively participate in and abide by the school district's Employee Safety and Health program and all policies and work practices designed to promote a safe work environment.
• Accept responsibility for safe conduct relating to all activities necessary to carry out functions of this position.
• Perform other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the teacher, principal, program director, or other administrator.
• May be required to perform additional paraprofessional duties when assigned by administration or designee.
• Additional responsibilities for a Bilingual Paraprofessional: speak with parents by phone when language difference is a barrier; accompany personnel on home visits when needed to facilitate communication; translate written materials English to Spanish for distribution to parents as required; support translations as needed.
• Additional responsibilities for a CIPS Paraprofessional: work closely with building administration and classroom teacher to meet individual student needs.
• Responsibilities for a non‑instructional paraprofessional may or may not include those listed; they need to hold a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

Pay

Starting Pay: $18.94 hourly.