SpEd Contract Paraeducator - One-year-only

Hours per week: 40
Contract length: 9 months (180 days)
FLSA classification: Non-exempt

About the role

The Special Education contract paraeducator assists the supervising teacher by performing a variety of tasks to support instruction and classroom programming. The paraeducator always works under the direction of the supervising teacher, providing direct services to students. The special education teacher will design, supervise, and coordinate the activities of each paraeducator. Physical presence, punctuality, and regular attendance are essential functions of this position.

Responsibilities

• Implement drill and practice exercises designed by the teacher for groups and individual students.
• Keep accurate data on assigned groups and/or individual students (data collection methods prepared by the teacher).
• Supervise and monitor student instructional activities within the school and in assigned community settings (e.g., assisting with public transportation, recess supervision, employment skills, self-help, and personal skills).
• Provide personal maintenance care for students related to self-help and hygiene (e.g., gastronomy tube feeding, oral feeding, catheterization, toilet training, diaper changing, tooth brushing).
• Implement appropriate procedures consistently in managing student behavior in accordance with district policies.
• Support a school environment that helps students develop and maintain a positive self-concept.
• Supervise students to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Appropriately use classroom materials and technology.
• Assist students in regular classes.
• Prepare and adapt instructional materials under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Maintain professional confidentiality regarding student progress, physical/emotional limitations (discussing only with supervising teacher, related service professionals, administrator, or program coordinator).
• Work assigned hours; bus supervision may be included.
• Participate in professional development training required by the Special Education Department.
• Attend and maintain physical presence as an essential function of the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following if working in a Title 1 school:
  • 48 hours of college credit; or
  • Pass the ParaPro exam.
• Prior work with individuals with disabilities preferred.

Skills

• Ability to follow directions outlined by the special education teacher and related service professionals for instructional practice, behavioral interventions, and functional skills development.
• Skilled in the operation of specific achievement testing and data collection.
• Ability to effectively manage stress.
• Makes decisions concerning the best way to accomplish tasks assigned by the classroom teacher and related service professionals.
• Must take directions well and work within specific guidelines.
• Must be concerned for the safety of self and others.
• Interacts positively with students, parents, staff, teachers, administration, and other district personnel.

Working Environment

• Mainly classroom-based, with potential tasks inside or outside the building.
• May work in hot or cold weather conditions.
• May experience stress from disruptive students or groups.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel, climb, or balance.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.