Special Education Paraprofessional; County Wide

Position: Special Education Paraprofessional (County Wide)
Job Title:

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL

Supervised by/

Reports to:

Special Education Teacher, Principal and Special Education Supervisor

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt

Job Goal:

* To assist the special education services teacher in providing instructional and support services for maximum student achievement

* To assist teacher in planning and implementing learning experiences for pre-kindergarten students

* To assist teacher in developing a safe, healthy learning environment

* To assist teacher in providing small group instruction

* To assist teacher with preparation and organization of instructional materials

* To encourage involvement of the families of the students in the special education program

Qualifications:

* Associate's degree or 48 semester hours from an accredited college or a passing score on the ACT Work Keys Assessment

* Ability to meet the suitability criteria for employment and/or certification /licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No.

* Demonstrated success in relevant work experience

* Ability and willingness to work in a highly demanding, stressful environment

* Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication with students, parents and others

* Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups

* Ability to identify and solve problems as a productive team member

* Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions

* Physical strength, agility, dexterity, acuity and mobility to perform job responsibilities

* Ability to use technology to communicate, to manage data, and to produce/submit required reports, correspondence, and/or financial information

* Ability to follow instructions and accept constructive feedback

* Ability to stand, walk, stoop, assist with student toileting and specific hygiene needs

* Ability to transfer students, feed students, and provide physical intervention when required.

* Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

* Ability to work flexible hours as needed to provide adult assistance on special education buses

* Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance

* Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require

Performance Responsibilities and

Essential Functions:

* Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals and priorities

* Presents lessons or portions of lessons to a student or a group of students, checks accuracy of work and presents additional assignments as directed by the teacher

* Helps students to use books, computers, classroom materials and other equipment

* Assists the teacher in keeping routine records related to attendance, grades, test scores or behavior as assigned

* Transfers students in and out of holding or locomotive devices and on and off buses

* Assists students with all aspects of toileting, which may include diapering, and lifting on and off the toilet, changing tables and mats

* Assists with movement of students with special needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring and physical intervention)

* Obtains food from the cafeteria, serves food and feeds student or helps them feed themselves

* Assists teachers in maintaining discipline and encouraging acceptable student behavior

* Assists in managing student behavior to include crisis intervention, when needed, including restraining disruptive or physically dangerous students within the guidelines of approved crisis intervention and restraint procedures in accordance with Board policies and state law

* Facilitates students' use of mobility equipment such as leg braces, walkers, mobile standers and tricycles

* Assists teachers on field trips by helping students with physical needs, maintaining discipline, and reinforcing learning situations

* Assists bus drivers in maintaining discipline and responding to the physical needs of students

* Provides adult assistance on special education buses as assigned by the building level principal, assistant principal or Central Office Special Education staff

* Assists teachers in directing activities and acts as play leader for assigned groups of students

* Performs basic health, first aid, or basic nursing care for special education students as directed or authorized by a school nurse

* Supervises a group of students in the temporary absence of the responsible teacher

* Implements behavior management plans consistent with teacher implementation instructions

* Adjusts or rephrases portions of texts and classroom instruction

* Attends IEP meetings, if requested

* Transfers with a student to another education setting when requested in accordance with the school system policies and state law governing employee transfers

* Performs duties in a courteous and professional manner

* Maintains appropriate confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters

* Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility

* Works cooperatively and productively with supervisor(s) and other system staff to ensure…