Job Title: Paraprofessional- Special Education

Building/Department: Three Rivers Middle School

Reports to: Building Principal

Summary:

Work under the direct supervision of certified staff to ensure a safe and nurturing educational environment. Provide support to individual students in personal care activities and fostering appropriate social behaviors. Assist staff in reinforcing selected educational and therapeutic activities tailored to student needs. Flexibility to be assigned to one or more students as required.

Education and Experience:

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

Completion of at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, equivalent to 60 semester hours; or
Possession of an associate's degree or higher; or
Attainment of a high school diploma or equivalent, coupled with the capacity to meet a rigorous standard of quality. This can be demonstrated through the successful passage of an approved formal state academic assessment within 30 working days of hire.

The State Board of Education has sanctioned the following formal assessments for demonstrating this knowledge:

Basic Skills Examination: Achieving a passing score on the Basic Skills Test MTTC.
SAT Scores: A minimum score of 480 on the evidence-based reading and writing section, and 530 on the mathematics section of the SAT may be substituted for the Basic Skills Test or Professional Readiness Exam.
Other Options: Successful completion of the ETS Parapro Assessment with a passing score of 460.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

(These duties and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA)

Provide instructional and behavioral support as required.
Maintain disciplinary control over assigned students.
Demonstrate organizational skills, self-direction, and flexibility to accommodate diverse schedules and individual needs.
Exhibit professional communication skills, both orally and in writing.
Fulfill other duties as directed by the referring teacher, instructional coach, and/or principal.
Take ownership of continuous professional growth and development, including activities like reading professional literature and attending relevant training sessions.
Attend meetings as necessary.
Uphold high academic standards and expectations.
Represent the school district positively in all interactions.
Adhere to school district policies and follow the established chain of command.
Perform any additional duties as assigned
Maintain a consistent and reliable on-site work schedule

Qualification Requirements:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with students, staff, and parents/guardians in a professional manner. This may include giving instructions, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts.
Mathematical Skills: Basic mathematical skills to assist with tasks such as data collection, progress monitoring, and creating charts or graphs
Reasoning Ability: Ability to problem-solve, analyze student needs, and make informed decisions to support their learning.Ability to follow established procedures and adapt to changing situations.

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. Standing, walking, and sitting are required regularly throughout the workday. Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching to access materials assist students or move furniture. Occasional lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 35 lbs., such as books, supplies, or manipulative objects. Regularly required to move around the classroom to provide individualized attention and monitor student behavior. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception.

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. This position is located in a traditional school setting. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and requires a high degree of flexibility. You will be working in a classroom setting alongside a teacher, with students of varying ages and abilities.

Union Representation: This position is Unionized. Salary, terms and other conditions of employment established by the SEIU 517M.

FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt FLSA position. Non- Exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Reasonable Accommodations: Three Rivers Community Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. To request an accommodation during the application process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 269-273-1104.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Three Rivers Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Three Rivers Community Schools that no person shall, on basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability or other legally protected characteristics, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, in hiring or in employment.

Additional Information:

Compensation and Benefits: As determined by SEIU 517M Collective Bargaining Agreement
Schedule: 180 days per year, generally following the TRCS Academic Calendar. Includes non-working days during winter, spring, and summer breaks, as well as designated holidays

Paraprofessional, Special Education