Paraprofessional - Special Education 1 on 1

Job Title: Paraeducator – Special Education

Department: Instruction

Reports to: Building Administrator

Classification: Classified /Non-Exempt

Summary

To provide supplementary aids and services to enable students with an IEP to access the general curriculum and to be educated with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate, with the goal of ensuring quality social interactions that facilitate a sense of belonging, enhance actual student learning, and promote relationships, while progressing toward mastery of the goals specified in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Reinforce student learning and performance expectations established by certificated staff members.
2. Demonstrate commitment to assisting learners in achieving their highest potential.
3. Circulate and provide assistance to all students, with priority given to students with an IEP. 
4. Provide one-on-one or small group instruction, under the direction of a certificated staff member.
5. Provide personal care assistance to students, such as toileting, feeding, hand washing, and teeth brushing (as needed and as directed).
6. Complete assigned supervision roles of the general student population, typically before and after school and during times when students with an IEP are not in direct need of assistance.
7. Establish and maintain positive rapport with all students.
8. Act as a role model for students, while reinforcing positive character traits.
9. Prepare and organize materials to support teaching and learning and enhance the physical environment, as directed.
10.  Use strategies as directed to increase the individual student's independence and confidence.
11. Use strategies as directed, in a variety of settings, to facilitate effective integration and assist in the development of social skills, both in school and community settings.
12. Use strategies, equipment, materials, and technologies (as directed) to accomplish instructional objectives, based on individual needs.
13. Foster respectful and beneficial relationships.
14. Participate as directed in meetings, conferences, and discussions, as a member of the educational team; providing input on the present functioning and needs of the students.
15. Engage in activities to increase one's educational knowledge and skills and to enhance professional growth, as directed by the administrator.
16. Demonstrate a positive regard for the distinctions between roles and responsibilities of paraeducators and those of certificated staff members, acknowledging that certificated staff members bear the ultimate responsibility and thus make final decisions.
17. Assist in evaluating and adapting instructional strategies and materials as directed.
18. Assist with the implementation of accommodations through the administration of state and district-wide assessments, as appropriate.
19. Assist professionals with classroom and behavior management strategies, as directed.
20. Assist in collecting and providing objective, accurate information to professionals, such as data regarding student behavior, performance, attitude, effort, etc.
21. Collaborate with members of educational teams as directed.
22. Perform responsibilities as directed in a manner consistent with laws and policies.
23. Demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity of students and families.
24. Demonstrate problem solving, flexible thinking, and conflict management techniques.
25. Demonstrate proficiency in academic skills, including oral and written communication.
26. Demonstrate basic data collection techniques.
27. Demonstrate the ability to separate personal issues from one's responsibilities as a paraeducator. 
28. Must use universal precautions and assist in maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.
29. Other duties as assigned by administrator.

Supervisory Duties 

Supervises students at all times.

Qualifications 

Education/Experience/Certificates

60 college credit hours or passing score on the ParaPro Praxis assessment; or such alternative to these qualifications that the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Skills and Abilities  

Language 

Must have the ability to read, analyze and interpret professional documents, board policy, administrative procedures/forms, and government regulations and guidelines. Must be able to complete forms, write reports, and engage in written correspondence. 

Computation

The individual must have the ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference; and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. 

Reasoning 

Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and exercise objective and prudent judgment. 

Technology

The individual must understand basic computer functions such as word processing, spreadsheets, and internet use. Must demonstrate basic telephone skills.

Additional Skills and Abilities

The employee must have the ability to follow verbal instructions and written plans of certificated staff members, seeking clarification as needed; must maintain a high level of competence and integrity at all times; must be able to maintain confidentiality regarding students and families when required by law, policy, or a particular situation. The employee must engage in self-reflection and self-assessment to learn and grow; also, must accept and use constructive feedback.

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 essential functions.

The individual who holds this position must have the ability to speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; must be able to move around the classroom; must be able to read handwritten and printed materials.

Attendance

Consistent and regular attendance is an essential job function of this position.

Conditions and Environment

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an individual will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading buses, recess duty, and supervise safety drills.

Terms of Employment

180 days per year.  Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board

Policy on Evaluation of Support Personnel.