Special Education Paraprofessional

Location: Hot Springs National Park

Cutter Morning School District

Job Description for:
Special Education Paraprofessional

DEPARTMENT:
Student Support Services JOB STATUS:
Full Time

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: N/A

REPORTS TO:

Principal;
Teacher

GRADE/LEVEL: K-12

WORK SCHEDULE:

Per contracted days

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and personal support services to students with disabilities in both self-contained and general education classroom settings. Working under the supervision of certified teachers and administrators, the paraprofessional assists in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and supports students in accessing the curriculum, developing academic skills, and building independence.

The Special Education Paraprofessional collaborates closely with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and other staff members to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. Responsibilities may include providing small-group or one-on-one instructional support, assisting with behavior interventions, monitoring student progress, supporting communication and social skills development, and assisting students with daily living or mobility needs as required.

The paraprofessional plays an important role in promoting student success by encouraging positive behaviors, fostering independence, and supporting meaningful participation in all educational settings.

The Special Education Paraprofessional is required to have one of the following: 60 college hours, an Associates Degree, or have a passing score on Paraprofessional Praxis

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To assist the teacher with preparation for classroom activities

To be responsible for the safety and monitoring of students outside the classroom

To assist the school nurse with special needs students

To work with small groups of students

To help monitor students during special activities

To assist in the office

To perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee's supervisor, the principal, or the superintendent

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statements

* Knowledge of the schools and CMSSD policies and procedures

* Evidence of strong commitment to quality education

* Evidence of strong organizational skills

* Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills

EDUCATION

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent with an accredited educational institution. Title 1, Part A program employees must have a minimum of two years with an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education or completed competency on a formal state assessment. Other requirements per job description.

Experience

1 year of successful experience working with children. Other requirements per job description.

Certificates & Licenses

Valid Arkansas Paraprofessional certificate or license to meet ADE certification accreditation standards for the position's essential duties and responsibilities.

Computer Skills

Ability to apply basic computer programs (spreadsheet, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, others) to enhance job performance. (Others could include e-School, HAC/TAC)

Other Requirements

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the school community.

Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication.

Ability to perform duties with awareness of all federal, state, and district requirements.

LANGUAGE

SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional documents. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL

SKILLS:

Ability to perform basic math operations to meet job expectations.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with situations appropriately to meet job expectations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Abilities Lift/Carry

Stand F 10 lbs or less F

Walk F 11 - 20 lbs F

Sit F 21 - 50 lbs O

Handling / Fingering F 51 - 100 lbs O

Reach Outward F Over 100 lbs O

Reach Above Shoulder O

Climb O

Crawl O

Squat or Kneel O

Bend O

Push / Pull

12 lbs or less O

13-25lbs O

26-40 lbs O

41-100lbs O

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.S+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Other

Physical Requirements

Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth perception)

Sense of Sound (ability to converse with others, conduct telephone conversations)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform with the essential functions.

The CMSSD Office has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties…