Paraeducator - Vision Program

Para educator Position

The para educator in this position must be willing to work 1:1 with a special needs student under the direction of the certificated teacher of the visually impaired. By providing direct instruction to students to increase their visual efficiency skills, modifying materials and assisting students in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist the vision program staff with modifications and supplemental services necessary for the education of students with visual impairments.
• Assist in implementing each student's IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in the production, ordering, dissemination and return of braille, large print and audio materials and equipment.
• Maintain communication with the vision program supervisor and staff, and other district personnel and agencies.
• Operate, and assist students in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment such as Braillers, keyboarding equipment, electronic scanners, low vision devices, and personal computers.
• Train other staff members in the use of specialized equipment.
• Assist in providing instruction to students on how to use low vision devices and equipment.
• Work toward developing and maintaining, in oneself and in the students, proper attitudes, good work habits and respect for the rights and properties of others and to maximize students' independence.
• Assist in the maintenance of confidentiality of student records.
• Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports.
• Keep instructional staff informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.
• Assist the vision program staff with promoting and maintaining program goals.
• Provide technical information to para educators and other staff regarding accommodations and materials used by visually impaired students.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data to modify IEP and help determine program effectiveness.
• Provide all staff with essential information to meet IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in developing and implementing behavior plans for the student.
• Assist with the teaching of appropriate daily living skills, including personal hygiene, communication and classroom routines.
• Change diapers and/or toilet train as needed.
• Assist student with successful transitions such as music, P.E., library, motor activities, lunch, and recess.
• Assist in transferring student, if in a wheelchair, from chair to floor and back, from chair to toilet and back or to special equipment (i.e., Stander, special chair, etc.) using either a Hoyer lift or 1 – 2 person lift.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

Other responsibilities include assisting substitute teacher with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

Required qualifications include education and experience such as a high school diploma or equivalent and one of the following: AA degree, or high school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, or high school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state approved para educator assessment test. Additional requirements include proficiency in basic spelling, math and grammar skills and a strong background and training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.

Preferred qualifications include experience working with visually impaired students.

Condition of employment includes passing a criminal background check, possessing and maintaining district-paid Type II driver's license, possessing and maintaining district-paid Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course, completing the district's para educator core competency requirements, and working scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Knowledge of individual education plans (IEPs), English grammar and spelling, basic math, positive behavior interventions, right response and de-escalation techniques, school board policies is required.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others fostering a team approach whenever appropriate, maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow district procedures for reporting all absences, demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to students, practice effective safety and security within individual work routines, develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers, follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision, speak, read and follow written communications in English, perform basic spelling, math and grammar skills, demonstrate the desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent…