Special Education Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional

The Paraprofessional supports academic achievement, student engagement, and a positive learning environment by assisting with classroom instruction, supervising students, and providing individualized academic and behavioral support. Working collaboratively with teachers, this role reinforces instructional strategies that promote student success and overall development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  
  Associate's degree or two years of college coursework (60 semester hours or more) earned at an accredited institution OR a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED and passing scores on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment Test
• Certifications/Licenses:
  Must hold or be eligible for a paraprofessional certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
• Experience:
  
  2 years of experience preferred; work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements. Experience in K12 education or public sector preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides instructional support to teachers by assisting with classroom management, lesson implementation, small-group and individualized instruction, academic interventions, enrichment activities, and the preparation of instructional materials
• Supports student learning and development by monitoring academic progress, reinforcing instructional concepts, promoting positive behavior, implementing social-emotional learning practices, and encouraging student independence and engagement
• Assists in creating inclusive learning environments by supporting the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners, in accordance with individualized learning plans and established support strategies
• Supervises students in classrooms and other school settings to maintain a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment while supporting student transitions and implementing behavior intervention and de-escalation strategies as needed
• Utilizes technology and instructional resources to support teaching and learning, assists with assessments and student recordkeeping, and supports district, state, and School-Based testing activities in accordance with established procedures
• Collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to communicate student needs, support attendance and engagement initiatives, and contribute to student success and well-being
• Participates in professional learning, staff meetings, and required training while maintaining confidentiality, demonstrating professionalism, and fulfilling assigned responsibilities with regular and reliable attendance
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, instructional practices, behavior management strategies, and social-emotional learning principles that support student success
• Ability to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students requiring academic or behavioral interventions through differentiated instructional strategies
• Proficiency in the use of technology, educational software, and digital learning tools to support instruction, communication, and student engagement
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders
• Knowledge of school safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, and district policies, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively in a fast-paced educational environment

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Vision:
  Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods
• Hearing:
  Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions
• Speech:
  Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer
• Upper Body Mobility:
  Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head
• Strength:
  Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict
• Environmental Requirements:
  Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors
• Mental Requirements:
  Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and…