Therapy - School Paraprofessional

Profession: Education

Specialty: Special Education

Duration: Up to 179 days per year

Shift: Day

Hours per Shift: 7

Experience: Prior experience in educational settings preferred

License: Professional Educator License with Stipulations endorsed as paraprofessional

Certifications: None required

Must-Have: Sign language skills and willingness to improve signing ability (for Signing Teaching Assistants only)

Description:

Work within the school and community setting, under the direction of the classroom teacher, to maximize students' learning in various areas.

Foster student participation in all school-related activities.

Monitor and assist students in their daily routines across all school and community settings.

Provide individual or small group instruction under the teacher's supervision.

Deliver academic support at the student's academic level.

Accompany students and provide academic and/or behavioral support in inclusion settings.

Communicate with students at their level and according to their needs.

Demonstrate a positive attitude toward students.

Assist students with bathroom and hygiene needs according to teacher requests.

Support individual students' therapy programs as directed by staff, including data collection.

Provide active student supervision, including but not limited to bus duty, community outings, playground, lunchroom, and passing periods.

Follow through on individual behavior intervention plans and crisis plans.

Assist students onto and into transportation, including buckling seat belts and/or harnesses.

Demonstrate care and proper use of equipment, materials, and school property.

Assist students with the use and care of adaptive equipment.

Develop classroom materials as needed.

Maintain a clean and orderly learning environment.

Commit to student safety and knowledge of emergency procedures.

Work professionally with all staff and personnel.

Participate in specialized training as requested.

Engage in team planning meetings or IEP meetings as needed.

Travel during the day to other sites as required.

Take appropriate initiative when no specific task is assigned.

Follow through with classroom teacher routines and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands of this role are representative of what is required to perform the essential functions of the job.

Standing/Walking:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 4-6 hours per day.

Sitting:
Ability to sit for up to 2-4 hours during instruction or meetings.

Lifting/Carrying:
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist students as needed.

Reaching/Grasping:
Ability to reach, grasp, and handle materials and classroom equipment.

Bending/Stooping:
Ability to bend or kneel to assist students and retrieve materials.

Vision/Hearing/Speaking:
Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively with students and staff.

Dexterity:
Ability to write, type, and use teaching tools and technology.

Student Assistance:
Ability to support students with physical needs or disabilities.

Emotional Stamina:
Ability to maintain focus and emotional regulation in a dynamic classroom environment.

This role requires physical ability to meet these demands, with or without reasonable accommodations.