Special Education Paraprofessional (Foley Program)

About the role

The paraprofessional will assist a certified teacher with providing specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities for students with significant multiple disabilities, including sensory impairments. This position requires the Paraprofessional to work in small groups and one-to-one with students on a regular basis in an effort to provide the student with the physical and emotional support they need to participate and gain the full benefits of the educational program provided.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility for assisting classroom teacher in academic instruction in a self-contained behavioral classroom in a program for students with emotional impairments.
• Aid classroom teacher in setting clear and structured limits relative to student behavior.
• Aid Behavioral Specialist and/or other staff in utilizing physical management to keep dysregulated students safe.
• Respond to student behavioral needs per direction of Lead Teacher, BCBA, and student support plan.
• Supervise, support and model vocational opportunities in the community.
• Understand and develop team intervention strategies and techniques.
• Recognize the importance of staff attitude and professionalism in responding effectively to those in your charge.
• Under teacher direction, assist in preparation of classroom materials.
• Under teacher direction, correct and/or grade student class work.
• Absorb and implement other staff in providing supervision for transitions.
• Supervise students during transitions to class, lunch or recess, bathrooms, offices, and buses.
• Absorb and implement other staff in supervision of large group meeting/activities or field trips.
• Provide for record keeping and other clerical duties.
• In the event of teacher absence, act in the capacity of substitute classroom teacher (additional stipend applies).
• Perform as an appropriate role model to students at all times.
• Under the supervision of teaching staff, direct physical education classes and art classes on an as needed basis.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Candidate requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Respect and maintain student and family confidentiality
• Cooperate successfully as a team member
• Communicate effectively with other members of the team including giving and receiving feedback. This includes written and oral communication.
• Maintain regular attendance
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills, to carry out assignments, put in essential time and effort
• Perform delegated duties with level of expertise and assume responsibility for own professional development
• High school diploma required; Associates degree or two years of college highly preferred

Physical Requirements

• Able to demonstrate physical control and restraint positions to be implemented when physical control is necessary as a last resort due to an individual's dangerous behavior.
• Able to navigate all areas of the school quickly including indoor and outdoor areas.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.