Special Education Paraprofessional - Secondary

Summary

Satisfactorily performs a variety of duties in support of student(s) Individualized Education Programs/Plans and/or assists disabled student(s) in both special and regular education settings as directed by professional staff. Duties may include personal care, instruction, cleric​al tasks, restraining, and/or lifting. Assignments may include, but are not limited to, providing academic, behavioral, environmental and physical/personal support to students.

Essential Functions

• Performs or assists daily with required and accurate record keeping, data collection (behavioral, academic, and medical), progress monitoring of IEP goals, and administration of assessments including standardized and district‑specified assessments.
• Modifies curriculum and/or instructional activities as directed.
• Utilizes lesson plans to assist in instruction and reinforcement of student learning via individual or small‑group instruction, including supplementary or independent projects.
• Monitors, maintains and reinforces behaviors and learning by following behavior and individual management plans.
• May be required to use proper restraining techniques or assist professional staff with restraints; student behaviors may include, but are not limited to, hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, pulling hair, spitting, pushing, cursing, and running.
• Escorts/moves students to other locations daily or as required.
• When necessary, assists with physical needs related to mobility, such as lifting, transferring, assisting with wheelchairs, lifts, and other equipment.
• Protects and oversees the safety, health, and well‑being of students in community‑based learning environments.
• Monitors playgrounds, lunchrooms, hallways, study halls, and other student locations.
• Accompanies and oversees assigned student(s) at all required times.
• Regularly assists students with personal and hygienic care skills, including but not limited to toileting/diapering, hand washing, tooth brushing, and hair combing as outlined in student records (IEPs, 504s, and other applicable documents).
• Maintains student, staff, and school confidentiality, including medical information.
• Prepares instructional materials (copy, collate, laminate) as directed.
• Assists staff (OT, PT, S&L, nurse) in providing support services to students across all learning environments as directed.
• Monitors adaptive equipment and reports any equipment that needs repair, battery replacement, or other attention to operate properly.
• Satisfactorily performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Certification

• High School Degree/GED.
• Associate’s degree or two years of higher education – preferred.
• Continuing education/certification as required by state and/or federal mandates.

Experience

• Two years of experience and/or demonstrated knowledge of children.

Skills

• Works as a team member and follows written and verbal instructions.
• Develops effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Exercises good judgment.
• Prioritizes tasks, meets timelines, and communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Accepts change and handles non‑routine or unscheduled tasks as assigned.
• Proactive, motivated, and demonstrates initiative.
• Knowledge of first aid, CPR, and computer software.
• Supports a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sedentary, light, medium, heavy, or very heavy physical effort. Examples include:

• Sedentary: sitting most of the time; occasional exertion of up to 10 lb.
• Light: occasional exertion up to 20 lb, frequent up to 10 lb.
• Medium: occasional exertion up to 50 lb, frequent up to 20 lb, constant up to 10 lb.
• Heavy: occasional exertion up to 100 lb, frequent up to 50 lb, constant up to 20 lb.
• Very heavy: occasional exertion in excess of 100 lb, frequent in excess of 50 lb, constant in excess of 20 lb.

Schedule

7 hours/day, 35 hours/week, 183 days/year.

Pay

$25.37 /hr. (starting rate) – $27.63 /hr., commensurate with experience.