Paraprofessional - Enhancement

Paraprofessional

The School Board of Highlands County is seeking a Paraprofessional for the Enhancement position. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to perform essential functions and tasks which may include exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force as frequently as necessary; lifting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, pulling, and pushing, if required.

Satisfactory clearance of a criminal history records check and drug screening is also required.

Additional desired job qualifications include: if clerical duties are to be assigned, typing skills at 40 words per minute. Demonstrated skill in using materials, equipment, and procedures associated with the performance of duties in the specific position. Physical requirements to perform essential functions and tasks which may include exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 5 pounds of force as frequently as necessary;

lifting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, pulling, and pushing, if required (ESE student paras and pre-k handicap paras). Paras transporting students must hold and maintain a valid Florida driver's license, with a good driving record showing no DUI convictions.

If serving as Highlands Parent Assistant/Liaison, responsibilities would include: facilitating BEESS Parent Survey, providing families with information and guidance on how to access educational and community services and navigate the Exceptional Education process, emphasizing and strengthening family roles and responsibilities in the education process, enhancing partnerships between the schools and community support services, strengthening home-school relationships by facilitating positive proactive communication between families and educators, increasing awareness of family issues and concerns in schools and communities, accompanying families as a support member at IEP meetings, providing informational workshops for parents, and participating in district/agency committees to provide parent perspective.

Pay grade options are 8, 9, and 10. Paygrade 8:
Enhancement para with high school diploma/GED certificate. Paygrade 9:
Enhancement para with SFSC Certificate of Completion of Instructional Assistant or passing score on Para Pro Assessment. Paygrade 10:
Enhancement para with AA, AS, AAS degree or higher.

Primary performance responsibilities may include working with school staff preparing materials, copying paperwork, and/or other clerical duties as assigned, being assigned to individual students to assist with special needs, being trained in special assistive devices, hygiene, feeding, and toileting, and assisting students and paras in instructional capacity. Additional duties may include performing all other duties as assigned by classroom teacher and/or school administrator.

The length of contract and number of hours worked are determined by specific allocation as approved annually during planning/budgeting process. Performance will be appraised annually in accordance with School Board policies.

Non-discrimination statement:
Except as provided by law, The School Board of Highlands County shall not exclude individuals from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity in any employment condition or practice, or be denied equal access to school facilities if the organization is The Boy Scouts of America or other patriotic youth groups.

General qualifications for all personnel include: honesty, dependability, punctuality, accuracy, and diligence on the job; ability to relate well to fellow workers, parents, students, and the general public; habits of dress, grooming, and personal conduct suitable to the work site and school environment; willingness to use professional practices appropriate to public service and school settings; ability to communicate clearly and accurately, orally and in writing;

ability to understand and follow written and oral directions; ability to access, organize, and maintain information needed in the performance of specific work tasks; willingness to become totally familiar with and to comply with school district policies, procedures, rules, and functions; demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and to district expectations governing equity, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity; willingness to complete in-service training needed to enhance and update job performance over a period of service.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and interview process.