Purpose Statement:
The purpose of this position is to support our district's special education program which provides services to students with a variety of disabilities ranging from mild to moderate developmental disabilities to severe and profound in the areas of speech, motor, social, behavioral, academic, and cognitive skills. This program may offer instruction focusing on modified curriculum, which may include a combination of the following: functional academics, daily living, prevocational/vocational, behavior and social skills, independent living skills, community access, and vocational skills. Responsibilities vary with the individual assignment, but typically include instruction of students, monitor student behavior, student hygiene, classroom housekeeping, and preparation of materials, testing, and data collection /reporting.

Paraeducators work under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported, and under the direct supervision of the Principal, Principal Designee, or District Designee. Teachers and/or educational staff associates provide specific directions and oversight for supervision and/or instructional support. Paraeducators are responsible for being familiar with the school/district policies and procedures which govern their work, and for acquiring and applying knowledge of IDEA and Section 504 requirements.

Essential Functions (depending on specific assignment, duties and responsibilities listed may include, but are not limited to the following):

Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of student in the classroom. Such assistance may be provided in special education classrooms, in regular education classrooms to special needs students, and in one-on-one or small group situations.
Assist students with common daily tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, to include diapering. May provide colostomy care including emptying colostomy bags and cleaning of the skin. May provide catheterization. May administer tube feedings and/or medication(s) as authorized by the school nurse and supervisory staff. May provide health services and assistance to include changing dressings, assisting with oxygen, assisting with insulin, assisting with nebulizers or inhalers, and assisting with walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches.
Teach independent living skills such as cooking, laundry, general personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Facilitates student involvement in school activities and/or community access.
Takes action, or assist in taking action, to restrain students who are at risk of harming themselves or others by following school/district approved restraint procedures.
Assist in implementing physical and occupational therapy plans by working with students to increase range of motion, mobility, and positioning.
May escort students in one-on-one or small groups to and from recess and playground, to and from bus locations, and may be required to ride on the bus with student(s).
May oversee student safety by such activities as recess and playground supervision, bus duty, crossing guard duty, hallway supervision, etc. Takes steps to intervene when students are not in control or may be in dangerous or unsafe situations.
Provides instructional support and tutoring to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations.
Document behavior of students to assist teacher in assessing progress with education plans. Maintain, or assist in maintaining, student weekly progress reports.
Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
Performs Other Duties as Assigned.
May attend building meetings and events i.e. staff meetings, open house, and/or related in-service activities/workshops.
May serve on building committees.
May attend program meetings and events, i.e. department meetings, open house, and or related in-service activities/workshops.
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the several types of work that may be performed. 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 the position.

Wages and benefits as per the DCPEA collective bargaining agreement.

Knowledge and Skills:
Required to be certified or to become certified in first aid, CPR, and/or operation of defibrillators.
Required to be restraint/de-escalation certified
May be required to be trained in instructional methodologies in such content areas as reading, writing, and mathematics, and in such special education areas as student restraint, safely, medication, etc.
Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing tasks and priorities.
Able to remain calm, focused and in control when working with students, parents, guardians, and community members who may be difficult and challenging to engage.
Able to follow written and verbal direction and take the initiative to seek clarity and take action when needed.
Be or become knowledgeable and supportive of classroom management and student discipline procedures.
Constantly exhibit command and proper annunciation, spelling, syntax and use of the English language to assist and model proper language usage by students.
Able to protect the confidentiality of student information consistent with FERPA requirements and good judgment.
Able to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members.
Skills in the use of office and computer equipment and use standard office software and student information system software.

Working Conditions:
Mental Demands: Usual office working conditions with exposure to numerous distractions and interruptions. Flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time. Requires concentration and attention to detail for repetitive tasks; may deal with distraught or difficult individuals.

Physical Demands: Exposed to visual display terminal for prolonged periods; required to sit for prolonged periods; requires sitting, standing, bending, and reaching; dexterity and precision required in the operation of a computer. May require carrying up to 50 pounds or lifting up to 20 pounds overhead.

Dieringer School District #343 reserves the right to modify and interpret this job description. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. This job description is illustrative and in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

Dieringer School District #343 will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the Unites States Code as a patriotic society. District programs shall be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Required Testing/Clearances
Fingerprint/Background Clearance
Valid Driver's License

Required Attachments
Cover letter
Resume
2 Classified Reference Forms or Letters of Recommendation
HS Diploma or Transcripts OR GED Diploma or Transcripts
Transcripts for: Associate of Arts degree; or showing 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an institution of higher education; or showing a passing grade of 461 or higher for the ETS ParaPro Assessment

Education/Experience:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Associate's Degree or passing score on the ParaPro Assessment
Job related experience

Dieringer - Substitute Paraeducator