Special Education Associate​/Paraprofessional- VMS

Special Education Associate/Paraprofessional- VMS (5-8)

Marion Independent School District Vernon Middle School – Marion, Iowa

JOB TITLE: Associate - Special Education

REPORTS TO: Principal & Roster Teacher

PURPOSE: Provide assistance to licensed instructional or support staff in the delivery of program‑specific services. Serve special education students and school educational programs under the direction of licensed teaching staff. Assist in delivering educationally based academic, social, emotional and behavioral programming designed to meet the needs of students entitled to special education programming.

• Assist with academic, behavior management, crisis intervention, and other educational service support in structured individualized or group settings.
• Assist with individual and/or group instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assist in implementing, adapting or developing curriculum materials under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Collaborate with the team in planning and implementing educational and behavioral interventions for individuals and groups of students.
• Complete clerical duties related to educational programming, instruction, and classroom management including materials preparation, communications, and record‑keeping related to student attendance, performance, behavioral incidents, etc.
• Provide and assist with supervision of children/students in various settings, including but not limited to the playground (K‑8 only), lunchroom, restrooms, halls, media center, and other areas as requested.
• May be requested to participate in projects, committees, or activities to support the mission of the special education program, building, or school district.
• Participate in staff development and professional growth activities as requested.
• Develop and maintain proper and adequate records and documentation in accordance with district policies and procedures.
• Support the implementation of academic accommodations, modifications, and/or specific plans as outlined in the students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to function effectively as a team member and work collaboratively with others.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible and respond to the changing needs of students and the district.
• Ability to handle information confidentially.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks.
• Ability to convey a positive and professional image to students, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to provide crisis intervention support after proper training.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, write reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work, including application of basic computer skills to use email, the internet, word processing, and iPad applications.
• Maintain positive professional relationships and behavior.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment can vary based on activities taking place. The position requires the commitment of professional working hours that may require the employee to extend beyond a typical eight‑hour workday.

Marion Independent School District is an EEO/AA employer. The district is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or veteran status.

Full‑time