Temporary One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional

Location: Rockport Elementary

Reports to: Building Principal

Term: Temporary position

About the Role

The One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional provides support to the instructional program by assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of students with special needs in the general education setting or in a self-contained classroom. This role involves implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, and collaborating with school personnel to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.

Qualifications

• Education: A high school diploma or GED certificate is required.
• Certification: in first aid and CPR.
• Healthcare Experience: Prior experience as a health assistant, personal care aide, or in a related healthcare role is advantageous.
• Assistive Equipment Proficiency: Ability to operate and assist with devices such as wheelchairs, standing frames, and other mobility aids.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with students, parents, healthcare professionals, and school staff is essential.
• Confidentiality and Sensitivity: Maintaining the student's privacy and handling personal care tasks with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a mandated reporter to ensure the safety of students.
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives and meet IEP goals.
• Administers tests, homework, and make-up work to support student needs.
• Assists students with personal hygiene and care needs (e.g., diapering, lifting, transitioning from desk to wheelchair).
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations to acquire and convey job-related information.
• Communicates with instructional staff, healthcare professionals, and support personnel to implement IEP objectives.
• Escorts students to ensure safe arrival to and from destinations (e.g., bathroom, classroom, community).
• Implements research-based interventions under teacher supervision to reinforce learning concepts.
• Intervenes in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and therapeutic approaches to minimize disruptions.
• Maintains instructional materials and records to ensure availability and compliance with mandated requirements.
• Monitors student schedules and behavior plans to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides instruction to students in individual and group settings to reinforce objectives and implement IEP plans.
• Supervises students in various settings (e.g., field trips, hallways, cafeteria, classrooms) to ensure safety.
• Prepares the learning environment to facilitate student participation in classroom activities.
• Supervises and escorts students during emergency drills or actual emergencies.
• Attends problem-solving/IEP meetings and provides input on student progress.
• Collects data on student IEP goals to maintain accurate records and support data-driven decisions.
• Participates in training to update skills and knowledge.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Skills

• Ability to demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and confidentiality in all situations.
• Work effectively with internal management, staff, students, and parents/guardians.
• Respond to changing workplace situations with flexibility.
• Perform multiple tasks concurrently under varying deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Work effectively as part of a team and handle frequent interruptions.
• Set work priorities, take initiative, and work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and punctuation.
• Operate standard office equipment and use job-related software applications.
• Exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative when dealing with students, faculty, and parents/guardians.
• Communicate with diverse groups and maintain accurate records.

Work Environment

• Requires significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity.
• Generally involves 60% sitting, 15% walking, and 25% standing.
• Performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness in a clean atmosphere.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Annual performance evaluation for this position.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt