BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Academic Paraprofessional

SUPERVISOR: Building Principal

LOCATION: Career and Alternative Pathways to Education Center (CAPE)

Paraprofessionals paid under Title I, Part A funds MUST meet one of the following three requirements:

Option 1: Complete at least two years of study at an accredited institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or
Option 2: Obtain an associate degree (or higher) from an accredited institution; or
Option 3: Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state academic assessment in the following areas:
- Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
- Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Current State Board of Education Approved Assessments

College Board's SAT - Must score at least a 480 on evidence-based reading and writing and a 530 on math
ETS Parapro Assessment - A passing score of 460 is required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
     1.        Effectively participate in meetings and other required district and building activities
     2.        Carry out instructional support and training activities with students under the direction of the teacher in the school setting, at Community Based Instruction (CBI)/job sites or in the home
     3.        Assist in planning and implementation of educational activities. The paraprofessional, as directed by the teacher, will be responsible for the supervision of the student(s) and will direct, assist, and instruct the student(s) as appropriate.
     4.        Manages and instructs students on appropriate behavior using positive behavior support strategies consistent with Board policy and procedures.
     5.        Assist students in meeting self-help, health and behavior needs including toileting and personal care needs.
     6.        Help maintain instructional area, supplies, equipment and facilities in a clean/safe condition. This includes cleaning disinfecting classroom environment.
     7.        Assist teachers and support staff in preparing materials, housekeeping, record keeping and data collection relative to student progress.
     8.        Provides instruction and training on an individual student basis and in small or large groups.
     9.        Participates in special instructional activities to meet program and student goals (e.g. loading/unloading buses, physical education, swimming, playground supervision, pre-vocational training, transitioning to adult literacy, therapeutic activities, etc.).
10.        Understand and be aware of medical needs of students and following medical protocol under the supervision of a nurse as appropriate
11.        Maintain confidentiality
12.        Follows established policies/procedures re: students medical concerns, safety, student rights, emergency/disaster plans and so forth.
13.        Regular and predictable attendance

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER