Paraprofessional

JOB SUMMARY This position exists to perform specialized work in assisting with services for Pathways School of Excellence, providing for the care and well-being of students. Duties are performed under the general supervision of supervisors/teachers. Performance is evaluated through observation of work, and/or periodic conferences, critiques, records, and reports.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:

Pathways Assistant Principal and Classroom Teacher Supervisory Responsibility: N/AIndirect Supervisory Responsibility: N/AESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but are not limited to the following:

Assist the classroom teacher with all duties pertinent to the instruction of students in the classroom.

Clerical duties as necessary for record-keeping and reporting.

Assist students with bathroom needs.

Use behavior strategies to teach hygiene and bathroom skills to adolescent students.

Use de-escalation strategies to help students in crisis who display physical aggression on a regular basis.

Provide one-on-one assistance for students with moderate to severe disabilities.

Assist with elopement behaviors.

Consult with tutors, volunteers, and therapists to provide training about students’ needs.

Provide assistance with daily living skills, such as eating, changing clothes, movement during transition times, etc...ADDITIONAL/NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIESN/AAll remaining duties are considered  nonessential  within the context of the ADA, which means that the function could be reassigned to another employee in order to allow a disabled individual to hold the position. Alternatively, the manager could try to provide a reasonable accommodation so that the disabled individual could perform the function.

LOCATION Lakeland Main CampusEDUCATIONRequired

Education:

High School/GED

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s in education, ESE, social work or other related field.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATION SN/AEXPERIENCE

Required:

Experience working with students with disabilities

Preferred:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Required:

Understand written and oral instructions

Speak and write coherently, to keep records and make simple reports

Professionalism with students, faculty, staff, and outside agencies/stakeholders

Work in small groups with students and support the classroom teacher in instruction.

Work with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the public

Preferred:

High school diploma with some college experience

Professional development coursework pertinent to exceptional student education

Physically able to sit, stand, and walk with students around campus. Ability to lift, carry, move, and/or position objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment, including sexual harassment.

This position is considered Essential Personnel for the purposes of Emergency Response.

Physical Requirements:

Mobility and Lifting Standing, Walking, Reaching, Grasping:
These are frequent physical actions required to move around the classroom, assist students, and perform daily tasks.

Lifting and Carrying:
Paraprofessionals must be able to lift and carry students or objects, with requirements varying by position but often reaching up to 50 pounds or more.

Pushing and Pulling:
This is necessary for tasks like operating mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, which can require pushing up to 90 pounds.

Body Positioning and Dexterity Stooping, Kneeling, Crawling:
These movements are often required to interact with students at their level, such as when helping with mobility or providing support from the floor.

Fine Finger Dexterity:
This is important for detailed tasks like administering medication, handling educational tools, or assisting with feeding.

Work Environment and Safety Loud and Potentially Hazardous Environments:
Paraprofessionals may work in noisy classrooms and have a higher risk of exposure to infections, requiring vigilance in maintaining health and safety.

Assisting Students with Mobility Equipment:
The role involves helping students use devices like walkers, tricycles, and standers.

Potential for Physical Intervention:
May require the ability to physically assist students, which can include restraining (which can encompass both vertical and horizontal immobilization) or providing support during transfers.

Travel:

No

Schedule:

Monday-Friday 8:00-3:30

TRAINING All new hires and employees transferring into a new position will have a 90-day probationary period within which to learn the functions of the job and to be…