Paraprofessional - Special Education

Terms of Employment: Full time position - 174 days/176 (Elementary/Secondary) (depending on start date) 8 hours per day. Pay per Classified Salary Schedule - Category III ($18.00 - $27.44). This position qualifies for benefits. The District provides its employees with a comprehensive benefits program including medical, life, and dental insurance. The District provides three medical plans for which it pays the full premium for employees, and a fourth option is a buy-up plan for which the district pays the majority of the premium. In addition, the District pays the full employee premium for dental insurance and life insurance. The District contributes to PERA on each employee's behalf and offers additional retirement savings options as well as optional supplemental insurance. Employees also receive paid time off. Worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance are provided in accordance with State law. This position qualifies for paid leave: 4 annual leave days and 7 sick leave days (depending on start date).

Position Purpose
Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member and building principal, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Essential Job Functions

Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises.
Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
Follows all applicable safety rules, universal precautions, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties
Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
Perform any other related duties as assigned.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Confidential Information

Staff members shall not access, receive, transmit or retransmit material regarding
students, parents/guardians or district employees that is protected by confidentiality
laws.
If material is not legally protected but is of a confidential or sensitive nature, great care
shall be taken to ensure that only those with a “need to know” are allowed access to
the material.
Staff members shall handle all employee, student, and district records in
accordance with applicable district policies.
Staff members who intentionally disclose student records, other confidential student information and/or district information may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Equipment
Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements
Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g.., Word, Excel).
Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
Effective writing and verbal communication skills.
Support the teacher in the classroom with behavior management.
Assist with hygiene needs and daily care of students.
Maintain a safe and productive work environment, care for tools and equipment.
Maintain confidentiality of student and program information according to Federal/State requirements.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

For Center Based Programs (Additional requirements)
Ability to lift and safely move 50 lbs. or more. To be physically capable of lifting, bending and providing physical support for students.
Ability to move rapidly or run.
Frequent standing, kneeling, crouching, walking and stooping.
Vision for close, peripheral, color, depth perception, distance and adjusted focus.

For Transition (18 – 21 years) Program

Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR

Ability to obtain CPI Training

Ability to obtain a small vehicle authorization to transport students to and from their homes as indicated in their IEP

Ability to transport students around the community in a safe manner under supervision of the transitions program teacher

Ability to implement the BIP or other behavioral interventions as indicated in the student’s IEPs as trained by the transition teacher

Qualifications Profile

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
High School diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt