STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTION

Classification: Instructional Paraeducator Location: Assigned School(s)
Reports to: Principal or Principal Designee FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NTPA
This is a standard position description to be used for paraeducator positions with similar duties, responsibilities, classification and compensation. Paraeducators assigned to the position description may or may not perform all of the essential functions indicated in this position description.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and paraeducator and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Part I: Position Summary:
This position assists staff in maintaining an environment conducive to learning by working with students with emotional and/or social needs on a one-on-one basis or in a small group setting.
The District represents a diverse community with a population of approximately 40% students with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.
Part II: Supervision and Controls over the Work:
Paraeducators work under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported, and under the direct supervision of the Principal or Principal Designee. Teachers provide specific directions and oversight of instructional support. Principal or Principal Designee provides training, direction, and guidance governing the performance of school-wide duties. Paraeducators are responsible for being familiar with the school/district policies and procedures which govern their work.

PART IV – MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent AND an Associate’s (or higher) degree; or successful completion of the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Exam.
• Knowledge of general classroom procedures.
• Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and English usage; knowledge of basic academic skills.
• Familiarity with possible student disorders (ADHD, bi-polar, autism, etc.).
• Familiarity with different developmental stages and age appropriate behaviors.
• Basic computer knowledge and general office machine skills.
• May require documented holding of current CPR and First Aid certifications or willing to receive training within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to respond to different multicultural and diverse needs of families and the community.
• Ability to organize and set priorities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, remain flexible, and work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to interact with students in a warm, confident manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the general public.
• Ability to support and value the efforts of ongoing cultural community projects and events.
• Must model and maintain exemplary attendance and punctuality.

Part V – Desired Qualifications:

• Prefer two years of experience in a classroom environment involving daily interaction with students, children and the public; school district experience preferred. Training in education or teaching experience may substitute on a month-to-month basis for one year of experience.
• Bilingual skills.

PART VI – PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

The physical demands and work environment 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 the essential functions.
The employee must lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak. Employee may be required to perform extensive work at a computer display terminal.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties.
The employee may be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students, exposed to student noise and learning resource noise levels.
The employee may be exposed to aggressive student behaviors to include biting, hitting, kicking, and throwing of objects. May be required to wear and utilize safety equipment designed to minimize the risk of injury to the employee and to the student.
The employee may be required to travel on school owned or leased vehicles while supervising and assisting students.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, students, administrators, parents, and other staff members to create, implement, and monitor behavior goals and contracts.
• Communicates with students, parents, and community members with respect and confidentiality and consistent with the direction and guidance of staff, administrators, and school/district policies and procedures.
• Promote the power of relationship and community building as a motivator.
• Respond to challenging student behavior through authentic dialogue, self-reflection, empathy and accountability
• Facilitate restorative group strategies and activities
• Assist in promoting a restorative mindset and a culture of accountability in the school
• Provide student support and supervision throughout the school-day in academic and non-academic settings.
• When necessary, and in accordance with individual student Behavior Intervention and/or Aversive Intervention plans, engage in physical transportation or physical restraint of students as directed in District training. This may include maintaining necessary documentation of such procedures and ensuring that all elements of individual student plans and building level crisis response plans are followed.
• Use behavior management plans to assist staff with problem solving ideas to maintain an environment conducive to learning. Prioritize daily tasks and ensure implementation of those tasks in an efficient manner.
• Document behavior of students to help teacher assess progress with education plans. Actively and openly communicate with teachers and other certified staff to maintain effective and consistent behavioral plans.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in matters of dispute resolution, student records, medical records, classroom issues, interaction with families and the public.
• Listen to concerns, use language appropriate for the student’s understanding, and observe body language before making active decisions. Use interpersonal and communication skills to influence, persuade, motivate, and resolve conflicts or sensitive problems.
• Supervise limited discipline measures such as time-out, loss of recess, removal from classroom, if being disruptive to the learning environment.
• Assist staff in limited clerical duties such as making copies, operating a fax machine, answering telephones, ordering supplies, and record keeping.
• Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned by administrator and/or designee.