Job Description-Special Education Paraprofessional-Life Skills

Overview

To assist a special education teacher or student in maintaining a quality learning environment within the classroom and to work closely with one or more students to provide the physical, emotional, and academic support for students to make the best possible educational progress. The employee who holds this position will be a part of the Classified Employee Group. The Paraeducator position will be evaluated and supervised by the Building Principal, and work under the direction of a case manager.

Essential Functions

Assist the classroom teacher in developing a good mental attitude for children through positive interactions and emulation of a good social and emotional model for children.
Perform instructional activities and monitor the results of those activities through data collection.
Assist the teacher in carrying out behavioral management procedures.
Provide the teacher with relevant information on academic progress, behavioral change, physical needs, etc.
Abide by Lower Dauphin School District policy on confidentiality of information and refrain from discussing student progress and problems with other personnel and parents.
Perform classroom tasks relevant to the child’s health care needs which may include but not limited to: feeding/mealtime support and bathroom support.
Assist children to and from the bathroom, pushing into to other classrooms, cafeteria/mealtime support, transportation support, recess support, etc. when necessary.
Adhere to the daily duty and instructional schedule established by the classroom teacher.
Perform routine clerical and housekeeping duties in order to permit the classroom teacher to devote his/her time to educational plans.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Administrator, Special Education Coaches, and/or other administrative leadership team members

Job Requirements

1. Basic Qualifications

High school diploma is required.
Previous experience working and interacting with children, preferred.
Must have or be able to obtain valid Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151 clearances.

2. Additional Qualifications

Strives to maintain professional, cooperative, and respectful relationships with all other District employees.
Serve as a pleasant, helpful, and positive representative of Lower Dauphin School District in all interactions with the community.
Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be cooperative, congenial, service oriented, and a team player along with the ability to work with frequent interruptions and under sometimes stressful conditions.
Must have the ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task, communicate clearly and effectively, work independently, exercise good judgment and follow written and verbal directions.

3. Physical Demands

Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to type and use both hands for grasping and repetitive motions.
Some bending and twisting of the body required.
Ability to lift/carry no more than 50 lbs. independently.
Visual and audio acuity including ability to read computer screens and written documents.
Ability to use the telephone and speak clearly and distinctly.

4. Work Environment

Typical school setting subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
Working hours are based upon the school year schedule and student need.

Special Education Paraprofessional - Life Skills