Paraprofessional-Special Education; STRIVE

Overview

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.

• Background Clearance
• Paraprofessional - Special Education
• DIVISION:
  Assigned Location
• GRADE: 5
• DEPARTMENT:
  Assigned School
• WORK DAY: 190
• REPORTS TO:
  
  Building Principal
• FLSA STATUS:
  Non Exempt
• JOB CLASS: 4362
• GROUP:
  Classified

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.

Education
:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

Certification/License
:

• Paraprofessional license OR have passed the paraprofessional assessment
• Maintains all licenses and certifications
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint
• Background Clearance

Work Experience
:

• 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

Required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies include: operating standard office equipment and relevant software; preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices; administer first aid and/or prescribed medications; applying physical restraint practices; and promoting activities and/or events.

Knowledge-based Competencies

Required to perform basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); read manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and present information; understand complex, multi-step instructions. Knowledge areas include: grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; age-appropriate activities/behaviors; instructional media and technology; cultural differences of student population; health standards and safety; relevant codes/laws/regulations/policies; methods of instruction and training; operation of office equipment and technology;

school safety and security practices.

Ability-based Competencies

Ability to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; use job-related equipment. Flexibility to work with others, handle data with defined but different processes, and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability to work with diverse individuals; handle various data and equipment; problem solve to identify issues and create action plans. Communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team;

adapting to changing priorities; working extended hours and with interruptions.

• Administers achievement and diagnostics tests as directed by the teacher to support instruction.
• Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments and training to accomplish daily tasks, reinforcing learning concepts and supporting academic goals.
• Implements independent study, enrichment work, remedial work, and daily routines to reinforce learning concepts.
• Maintains classroom equipment, supplies, and learning aids to ensure availability and safety.
• Monitors students in various settings (classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, restrooms, bus) for safety and positive learning environment.
• Reports observations and incidents to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve safety concerns and direct to appropriate personnel.
• Supports classroom teachers in instruction and classroom management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient functioning of the work unit.

The physical abilities and other conditions of continued employment are representative and may be required for positions in this class. Reasonable accommodations may be available. Typical activity levels: 10% sitting, 40%…