Substitute Paraprofessional

About the role

Substitute paraprofessionals work closely with one or more student(s) with disabilities, providing support to help them implement their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). They report directly to the school site administrator.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists students with physical tasks such as putting on and taking off outerwear, moving between rooms, using the restroom, toileting, personal hygiene care, eating, and transportation.
• Supports students in curriculum tasks as assigned by a certified teacher, reinforcing lessons in various learning environments.
• Works with small groups of students under the supervision of a certified teacher.
• Accompanies students to other locations within the school as needed.
• Establishes a supportive relationship with students without fostering intense emotional involvement.
• Serves as a resource person for eligibility and IEP team meetings.
• Assists students in interacting with classroom technology and completing data collection procedures.
• Maintains a supportive and safe environment for students.

Position Expectations

• Knowledge of CPR/AED and Universal Precautions.
• Ability to work effectively with special needs students.
• Ability to interpret and apply oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to manage unusual behavior and crisis situations.
• Ability to learn and apply school rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to complete routine records and recognize/report hazards.
• Physical and mental stamina to perform job duties.

Position Requirements

• Education and Training: High school diploma or GED.
• Licenses and Certifications: CPR Training, Blood borne Pathogen and Universal Precaution Training.
• Physical and Mental Requirements: Strength, dexterity, coordination, vision, strength and stamina, dexterity, cognitive ability, manual dexterity, hearing, speech, ability to lift 50 pounds, ability to restrain students.

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods.
• Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time.
• Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, student work, and other materials.
• Some reaching for items above and below waist and head level.
• Some reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping to access files, student work, and other items is necessary.
• The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer and other educational technology (LCD projector, SmartBoard, iPads/Tablets, etc.) to enhance student learning.
• Involves hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to climate controlled classroom settings to outside weather with temperatures ranging from mild/moderate to extreme cold/heat.
• May involve exposure to noise levels ranging from moderate to very loud on occasional to frequent time periods.
• May involve work in crowded environments.
• Hazards: Stress, anxiety, verbal and physical aggression.
• Classroom furniture, playground/office equipment, blood borne pathogens, communicable diseases, chemicals (as related to specific assignment), and power/hand operated equipment and machinery (as related to specific assignment).