Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional

The paraprofessional works under the supervision of a licensed professional or service provider to support students with disabilities and their educational needs. Responsibilities are based on student needs identified in their IEPs and are not tied to one specific student, classroom, or program. This position requires dedication to supporting youth and a belief that every student can succeed.

Major areas of accountability include:

• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by certified staff.
• Monitor work, correct papers, and supervise curriculum-based testing and makeup work as assigned by certified staff.
• Serve as the chief source of information and assistance to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of regular certified staff.
• Alert staff to any problems or special information about an individual student.
• Supervise students during lunch periods, play periods, and field trips as assigned.
• Perform assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as snack time, toileting, and clothing routines.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain confidentiality of information about students within the school environment and community.
• Motivate students to develop skills in assigned subject matters while supporting appropriate conduct, speech, and attire.
• Participate in meetings, in-service training programs, and workshops as required.
• Implement accommodations indicated by the IEP (e.g., reading tests aloud, taking notes, enlarging materials) as directed by the special education teacher.
• Teach and model strategies to peers on how to interact with students with disabilities.
• Assist in gathering and reporting data on student progress related to IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist with the preparation of materials for instruction, including copying materials and constructing display/bulletin boards.
• Provide special education teachers/staff with information about general education assignments, activities, and student participation and behavior.
• Attend IEP meetings at the request of administrators, teachers, or parents.
• May assist students with personal care and daily living activities, including toileting, dressing, eating, and mobility support as needed.
• Perform other duties as required by the school system, principal, or designee.

Skills required for this position include the ability to perform multiple tasks, with a potential need to upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions. Additional required abilities are:

• Ability to work well with students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Ability to be regularly, predictably, and reliably present at work.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication.
• Interpersonal skills that demonstrate tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Knowledge of Google, Microsoft, and Synergy software is a plus.
• Ability to be assertive in situations requiring behavioral improvement.
• Ability to identify the emotional and social needs of students, in addition to their educational and academic needs.
• Capacity to work with confidentiality and discretion.

This position is not responsible for the supervision of other district employees. Working environment includes some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity are required.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must meet Minnesota paraprofessional requirements by passing the Para Pro Assessment or possessing the equivalent qualifying college credits.
• Experience:
  
  Not required, but 1-2 years of experience working with diverse students in a curriculum support or tutoring capacity is preferred.