Paraprofessional Adaptive Special Education; SY

Position Summary

The role of a Special Education Paraprofessional is essential for creating a structured and effective learning environment for special education students from Pre-K through K12. Paraprofessionals support the delivery of specialized instructional programs and help students utilize available resources to enhance their learning experience. Depending on the needs of the classroom and teachers, they may work in various settings including classrooms, offices, and media centers, and they might assist students individually or in groups.

This position adapts to diverse educational needs, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Paraprofessional license OR have passed the paraprofessional assessment
• Maintains all licenses and certifications
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint
• Background Clearance
• At least 21 years of age (Individuals who have a minimum credit hours and hold an associate degree or higher teaching credential do not have to meet the minimum 21 years of age requirement)

Skills-based

Competencies:

Requires multiple tasks with occasional skill upgrades. Enables use of standard office equipment and software; preparation and maintenance of accurate records; adherence to safety practices; administration of first aid and prescribed medications; application of physical restraint practices; promotion of activities and events.

Knowledge-based

Competencies:

Requires basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); reading manuals, writing documents in prescribed formats; presenting information; understanding complex written and oral instructions. Includes concepts of grammar and punctuation; child development stages; age appropriate activities; classroom instructional media; cultural differences; health standards; school safety and security practices.

Ability-based

Competencies:

Requires scheduling activities, collecting and collating data, and using job-related equipment. Flexibility to work with others, handle data through varying processes, and operate equipment. Problem solving to identify issues and create action plans. Includes communication with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; teamwork; adapting to changing priorities; extended hours and interruption tolerance.

• Administers achievement and diagnostics tests as directed by the teacher to support instructional processes.
• Assists students individually or in small groups with lesson assignments and training for daily tasks to practice and reinforce learning concepts and academic goals.
• Implements independent study, enrichment work, remedial work, and daily physical cleanliness tasks (toileting, dressing, teeth brushing, etc.) to present and reinforce learning concepts.
• Maintains classroom equipment, supplies, and learning aids to ensure availability and safety.
• Monitors students in classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, restrooms, bus loading/unloading for safety and positive learning environment.
• Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students to appropriate personnel.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve safety concerns.
• Supports classroom teachers with various tasks (storytelling, reading, drill work, special one-on-one work, lunchroom assistance, adaptive P.E.) to aid behavior, curriculum and teaching methods.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing. Other physical requirements include vision, hearing, speech, upper body mobility, and limited lifting. Candidate should be able to maintain environmental safety and adapt to occasional interruptions.

It is the policy of the Clarke County School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, religion, disability or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.

However, management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.