Special Education Paraprofessional

OVERVIEW

Under the immediate direction of the Director of Special Education, the Special Education Paraprofessional position is responsible for supporting the school's educational programs by assisting credentialed staff in reinforcing instruction for students with identified disabilities. They will be expected to collaborate with credentialed personnel to help students achieve academic and behavioral goals; Perform other related functions as required.

The following duties are typical for this classification. However, incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties to address needs of the school and change practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reinforcing educational, social, and behavioral instruction presented by credentialed teaching staff to individual students or small groups of students
• Implementing alternative methods for presenting instruction and modifying behaviors as directed by credentialed personnel
• Assisting instructional personnel with the preparation of instructional materials and exercises, according to student IEP services and accommodations
• Monitoring and assisting students with a variety of instructional activities
• Ongoing data collection to monitor progress on IEP goals
• Implementing student Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) under the direction of credentialed personnel
• Operating and assisting students with the operation of instructional technology
• Assisting students with the use of Assistive Technology and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices
• Accompanying and assisting students in all educational settings such as general education classrooms
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Coursework in childcare, psychology, or education is preferred

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Six months of experience working or volunteering with children with disabilities
• Experience in a classroom setting is preferred

• Must pass fingerprint clearance and TB test
• Must complete required training upon hire: CPR, First Aid, Mandated Reporter, and Sexual Harassment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Basic academic subjects such as science, technology, mathematics, English language arts, and social studies
• Basic instructional methods and techniques
• Basic concepts of child growth and development
• Strategies and techniques for supervising students
• Positive behavior management strategies, including knowledge and support of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Proper use of a variety of assistive equipment and devices
• Techniques used in controlling and motivating students
• Proper lifting techniques
• Universal precautions applicable to handling bodily fluids and other potentially hazardous materials
• Personal care and hygiene tasks
• Current instructional technology devices and software
• Routine recordkeeping techniques; Inventory control methods and practices
• Practical oral and written communication skills; Basic clerical functions
• Basic first aid and CPR procedures.
• Effective listening and communication; Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Computer literacy
• Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students as directed by certificated staff
• Assist with the preparation of instructional materials
• Apply school policies, methods, and practices used in instructional programs
• Assist students with the operation of instructional technology devices and software
• Implement specialized behavior strategies as directed
• Monitor, observe, and report student behavior progress according to approved policies and procedures
• Use appropriate positive behavior management strategies; Provide treatment and administer first aid, CPR, and emergency medical care as necessary
• Demonstrate understanding, patience, warmth, and receptiveness toward children
• Encourage opportunities for independence
• Maintain confidentiality
• Operate office equipment, including a computer and assigned software technology
• Assist students with a variety of communicative and mobility devices
• Perform routine clerical tasks
• Establish and maintain accurate records relating to the area of responsibility
• Record information completely and accurately; Prioritize workload and conflicting demands
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using tact and diplomacy
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals encountered in the course of work
• Comply with the district's customer service standards, as outlined in Board Policy
• Report to work on a regular and punctual basis. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Indoors and outdoors
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear and reach with hands and arms
• Operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment
• Reach with hands and arms
• Must occ
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
• Regularly required to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly

BENEFITS: 

• Paid sick leave
• Paid personal leave
• Medical/dental/vision coverage
• Employer paid life insurance,
• 403 (b) retirement
• Induction program reimbursement and mentor
• Before and after school child-care

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Roots Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.