Job Coach​/Paraeducator

Job Description

Job Coach/Para educator )

Under the direction of the Transition Program Supervisor and in collaboration with the coordinator(s), job coaches support individuals with disabilities in developing, refining and generalizing skills necessary for successful employment.

As a Para educator, the role involves assisting the teacher/therapist in providing instruction and support to assigned students in an educational setting designed to promote intellectual, behavioral, emotional, and social growth. Paraeducators can be assigned to individual students or to multiple students. All functions are performed under the direction of the teacher/therapist.

The position requires the employee to support students with a variety of needs, which may include individuals who exhibit aggressive behaviors and/or self‑injurious behavior. The Para educator will be trained to meet the individual needs of the students that they are assigned to with the classroom or setting.

• Provide on‑site job support so that student(s) can perform work duties
• Provide accommodations and adaptations to the work site to facilitate student independence
• Maintain accurate student data (hours worked, performance on job)
• Utilize and assess student preferences, skills, aptitudes, and strengths to identify potential employment opportunities
• Provide practice for employment preparation and job retention skills on the work site
• Accompany students on the job search/interview and may transport students occasionally
• May be trained, when qualified, to occasionally transport students
• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (e.g., feeding, grooming, bathing, toileting, diapering, etc.)
• Monitor the incidence and prevalence of designated health problems or medical conditions (e.g., seizure precautions or extreme lethargy)
• Accompany student on school bus or other vehicle
• Cue, redirect or monitor to ensure that the student performs ADL tasks when a cognitive impairment prevents a student from knowing when or how to carry out the task (e.g., a student may not be able to dress without instruction on how to do so or need reminders of what to do and when)
• Observe/monitor and redirect/intervene to assist with completion of ADLs
• Cue the student to pay attention, participate in activities and complete tasks.
• Participate in the implementation of each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and C.E.R.s (if applicable)
• Assist with data collection of student performance.
• Follow any individualized support plans that may be a part of a student’s educational program (e.g., behavior, communication, health, transportation). Track information about each student including needs, strengths, gains and problem areas.
• Assist with setting up the educational environment and preparing materials for instruction.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

This is a full-time, 185‑day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work will vary depending on assignment. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel or transport may be expected for this position.