RATE OF PAY: Depends of Qualifications

SUMMARY: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our Special Education Department as a full-time Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD Paraeducator). The ideal candidate will work closely with students with autism to support their educational and social needs. This role requires a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes the growth and independence of each student.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Assist teachers in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with autism.
Provide one-on-one support to students during classroom activities, ensuring they understand assignments and participate fully.
Help manage student behavior by employing positive reinforcement techniques and de-escalation strategies.
Facilitate communication between students, teachers, and staff to ensure a collaborative approach to education.
Support students during transitions between classes and activities, promoting social skills and peer interactions.
Assist with the development and implementation of social skills programs and activities tailored to individual student needs.
Monitor and document student progress via data collection tools provided.
Maintain a safe and organized classroom environment, ensuring that all materials and resources are readily available.
Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge related to special education and autism support.

REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent; an associate degree or higher in education, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
Experience working with children or individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities is highly desirable.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students and staff.
Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in supporting the educational and emotional needs of students with autism.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and follow directions from teachers and special education staff.
Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders and effective strategies for supporting students in an educational setting.
Basic computer skills for documentation and communication purposes.
First Aid and CPR certification is a plus.
Must pass background checks and any other required screenings.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but to accurately reflect the primary job elements. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; stand; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms using a keyboard and video display terminal. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception and peripheral vision.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is standard classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally high depending upon student population and activities. Employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION - The Parchment School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and/or transgender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Inquiries by applicants, students and/or parents/guardians relates to discrimination on the basis of disability/status should be directed to: Superintendent of the Parchment School District, 520 N. Orient Street, Parchment, MI 49004. Phone Number 269-488-1050.