GIRESD School District, division of Special Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Paraprofessional (MOCI)

This is a school year position, 185 days.

Reports to: Supervisor, Special Services (Direct report and supervision by assigned classroom teacher)

Location: Nikkari Elementary, St. Louis Michigan

Classroom: K. Harless

Position Type: Special Education – Paraprofessional / Personal Assistant

Special Education Paraprofessionals work under the overall supervision of their program supervisor with direct supervision provided by special education teachers. Paraprofessionals are employed to implement special education and related services for students with special needs. Duties vary depending upon the age of students served as well as the nature and severity of the student’s disabilities.

Our student population consists of children and adult students with cognitive, physical, emotional, communication, health impaired, and adaptive disabilities ranging from mild to severe. The special education paraprofessional/personal assistant is responsible for assisting the assigned teacher and service providers in the delivery of services and supporting students with disabilities during the school day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

An individual who holds this position is required to perform the following:

Transferring (including but not limited to):

To and from wheelchairs, shower chairs, hygiene stations, floor time on mat and wedges, mat tables, and assistive devices (walkers, Rifton chairs, tricycles, pool entry/exit).
Depending on student size/ability: one-person lift, 2-person lift, mechanical lifts, lift vests, and/or gait belts.

Physical and Personal Care (including but not limited to):

Feedings: Administering or assisting with oral feeding (for motor/swallow disabilities) and/or tube feedings via pump or bolus method.
Bathroom Needs: Diapering (male and female students), MOVE training toileting strategies, and toilet training.
Personal Care: Assisting with undressing, dressing, showering, tooth brushing, grooming, and hand hygiene.
Medication: Administration of oral and emergency medications (Epi-pen, Diastat, Inhalers, Nebulizers) as prescribed by a physician and delegated by the school nurse.
Health & Safety: Perform First Aid/CPR (training provided), observe Universal Precautions, use appropriate PPE, and handle bodily secretions appropriately.

Instructional and Program Support:

Assist staff in supervising and physically assisting students during bus loading/unloading, job sites, gym, pool, and field trips.
Support Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapies using prescribed techniques and equipment.
Participate in physical activities (walking, swimming, stairs, floor transitions, bike riding) to reach adaptive goals.
Implement "MOVE" training programs to increase student mobility (sitting, standing, walking).
Assist with specific medical needs: catheterization, seizure management, and trach care (training provided by nurses).

Behavior and Classroom Management:

Address disruptive behaviors and follow through with prescribed Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) and physical management programs.
Participate in and pass Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training; implement restraints correctly and consistently when necessary for safety.
Clean and sanitize the classroom and equipment using approved materials.

Physical Demands

Strength: Lift/carry 50lbs individually; push/pull up to 200lbs using wheeled devices.
Agility: Stand, twist, bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, climb, and crouch multiple times daily.
Responsiveness: Quickly and effectively protect self and others during moments of student aggression using CPI techniques.
Dexterity: Gross grasping and fine motor manipulations for medications and medical equipment.
Environment: Ability to sit on the floor for long periods, sit in child-sized chairs, and get on/off the floor independently.
Senses: Close/peripheral vision and the ability to determine sound direction.

Skills and Abilities

Collaboration: Accept direction and constructive criticism; exhibit patience and enthusiasm with staff and students.
Instruction: Assist in the implementation of educational plans (academic, daily living, transition) as assigned by the teacher.
Independence: Manage and instruct small groups of students in the classroom or community when not under direct teacher supervision.
Documentation: Accurately complete forms and charting regarding student progress and health care procedures.
Communication: Read and comprehend simple written and oral instructions and correspondence.
Technology: Demonstrate basic computer skills (word processing, data entry, email).

Condition and Environment

Work in a noisy, active school environment.
Work outdoors in various weather for transitions, recess, and job site supervision.
Exposure to hot/humid conditions (showers, pool) and potential use of power tools or medical devices.
Exposure to infection and injury at a greater risk than the general school population.
Encounter student behaviors including aggression, defiance, and frustration.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED.
Experience: Experience with special education or physically/emotionally impaired persons is helpful but not required.

This job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Additional duties may be assigned. (August 2018)

GIRESD: MoCI Paraprofessional (Nikkari Elem)