JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Special Education Paraeducator
REPORTS TO: Supervising Special Educator, Director of Special Education, and Principal
APPROVED BY: Superintendent of Schools

Under the direction of a professional, Special Education paraeducators will:

• Follow the written IEP plan for assigned students and maintain confidentiality.
• Build and maintain positive, supportive relationships with students and school personnel
• Contribute to a positive school environment by modeling respectful communication and consistent expectations.
• Support students in academic, behavioral, and life skills instruction under the direction of the special education case manager and classroom teacher(s).
• Provide accommodations, implement behavior and instructional plans, and assist with crisis intervention as needed.
• Collect and maintain data on student performance, progress, and behavior; provide feedback to teachers and case managers.
• Assist students in participating in school activities and community events while encouraging independence.
• Supervise students during class, transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, departure, and field trips as directed.
• Assist with personal care or medical protocols as assigned, in coordination with nursing staff.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials, supplies, and equipment; perform clerical tasks as needed.
• Communicate professionally with teachers, case managers, related service providers, and families (as directed).
• Attend and participate in training sessions, meetings, and professional develo

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following:

• Education and Experience. Two years of higher education preferred plus one year of related experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. One year of directly relevant experience in a school setting desired. Good working knowledge of children. Knowledge of students with special education needs, and special education teaching methods preferred. Basic health care or nursing nurse’s aid training/experience may be desirable.
• Language Skills. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively. Ability to provide effective instruction and receive constructive feedback.
• Mathematical Skills. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry may be necessary.
• Computer Skills and Experience. Good basic computer skills and experience with word processing programs required. Experience with Microsoft Office preferred. Ability to use adaptive equipment desired.
• Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to anticipate and diffuse emotionally explosive situations.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently and effectively with a variety of individuals, including students, faculty, administrators, parents/guardians, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with peers, subordinates, supervisors, parents, and outside agencies. Ability to show patience, respect and compassion in working with students. Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and handle stress.
• Other Qualifications. Training/experience working with children/adolescents desirable. Ability to assist students physically as required. Available to attend required or requested training, meetings, and professional growth activities outside of school hours (e.g., summers, teacher in-service days and after-school). Ability to remain calm and efficient in responding to emergencies. Licensed driver with a reliable personal vehicle, required level of automobile insurance and a clean driving record, if required by assignment.
• Additional Competencies. The individual in this position must possess the following:
• Dependability – being reliable, punctual, responsible and fulfilling obligations.
• Self-Control – maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
• Stress Tolerance – accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Cooperation – being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Concern for Others – being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
• Attention to Detail – being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Integrity – being honest and ethical.
• Adaptability/Flexibility – being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
• Independence – guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
• Social Orientation - preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of a professional, Special Education paraeducators will:

• Follow the written IEP plan for assigned students and maintain confidentiality.
• Build and maintain positive, supportive relationships with students and school personnel
• Contribute to a positive school environment by modeling respectful communication and consistent expectations.
• Support students in academic, behavioral, and life skills instruction under the direction of the special education case manager and classroom teacher(s).
• Provide accommodations, implement behavior and instructional plans, and assist with crisis intervention as needed.
• Collect and maintain data on student performance, progress, and behavior; provide feedback to teachers and case managers.
• Assist students in participating in school activities and community events while encouraging independence.
• Supervise students during class, transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, departure, and field trips as directed.
• Assist with personal care or medical protocols as assigned, in coordination with nursing staff.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials, supplies, and equipment; perform clerical tasks as needed.
• Communicate professionally with teachers, case managers, related service providers, and families (as directed).
• Attend and participate in training sessions, meetings, and professional develop

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No formal supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following:

• Education and Experience. Two years of higher education preferred plus one year of related experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. One year of directly relevant experience in a school setting desired. Good working knowledge of children. Knowledge of students with special education needs, and special education teaching methods preferred. Basic health care or nursing nurse’s aid training/experience may be desirable.
• Language Skills. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively. Ability to provide effective instruction and receive constructive feedback.
• Mathematical Skills. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry may be necessary.
• Computer Skills and Experience. Good basic computer skills and experience with word processing programs required. Experience with Microsoft Office preferred. Ability to use adaptive equipment desired.
• Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to anticipate and diffuse emotionally explosive situations.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently and effectively with a variety of individuals, including students, faculty, administrators, parents/guardians, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with peers, subordinates, supervisors, parents, and outside agencies. Ability to show patience, respect and compassion in working with students. Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and handle stress.
• Other Qualifications. Training/experience working with children/adolescents desirable. Ability to assist students physically as required. Available to attend required or requested training, meetings, and professional growth activities outside of school hours (e.g., summers, teacher in-service days and after-school). Ability to remain calm and efficient in responding to emergencies. Licensed driver with a reliable personal vehicle, required level of automobile insurance and a clean driving record, if required by assignment.
• Additional Competencies. The individual in this position must possess the following:
• Dependability – being reliable, punctual, responsible and fulfilling obligations.
• Self-Control – maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
• Stress Tolerance – accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Cooperation – being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Concern for Others – being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
• Attention to Detail – being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Integrity – being honest and ethical.
• Adaptability/Flexibility – being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
• Independence – guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
• Social Orientation - preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

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This general outline illustrates the type of work, which characterizes the Job Classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.