Special Education Paraeducator

DEFINITION OF POSITION:
The Special Education Para educator will serve as an instructional assistant under the immediate supervision of the Special Education/Resource Room Teacher. A change in assignment and/or location may occur based on student specific needs and variances in school enrollment.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISORS:
Building Principal and Special Education/Resource Room Teacher

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Completed at least 2 years of study (72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits) at an institution of higher education OR obtained an associate's (or higher) degree OR completed one of the following: ETS Para Pro Assessment with a score of 455 or higher, Pearson Paraprofessional assessment, or Master Teacher Inc. Para educator Online Training Program

* Possess or be willing to complete the 14 core competencies: 1-6 within the first 6 months and 7-14 within the first year of hire

* Possess or be willing to complete Right Response Training within 3-5 months

* Evidence of in-service training and/or successful experience working with students with special needs

* Ability to lift 50 lbs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Experience/training in special education

* Experience working with students with physical disabilities

* Experience/training in alternative communication

* Experience/appreciation of diverse student population

ESSENTIAL JOB-RELATED

ACTIVITIES:

Depending upon individual assignment, the para educator may perform all or a combination of several of the following duties.

* Instruct moderately to severely handicapped students individually or in small groups in a variety of learning activities to promote student understanding of materials presented

* Provide encouragement, reinforcement and achievement of educational objectives and goals defined by certificated staff

* Assist in the administration of objective tests or other measurements

* Work directly with students as defined by their individual programs

* Work in multiple settings, meet multiple demands in pressure situations and maintain high levels of quality work

* Attend to student physical and safety needs; monitor students for medical risks such as seizures and behaviors that may result in harm to themselves or others

* Correct behaviors and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures

* Assist students with interpersonal and personal skills mastery; help feed students and teach social aspects of eating with others

* Assist students with basic living skills and pre-vocational activities

* Work with students to develop communication skills; facilitate integration of students with age-group peers to the extent possible

* Establish and maintains effective communication with students, staff and parents for student progress and safety, and community relations

* Possess and practice strong interpersonal skills with a wide variety of people both inside and outside the organization (staff, parents, community members, other agencies)

* Provide clerical and computer assistance to the special education personnel for record keeping and reporting; prepare, duplicate, collate and distribute materials; operate a variety of office equipment

* Work collaboratively under the direction of the Special Education/Resource Room Teacher

* Be a positive team builder who works in a collaborative manner

* Take directions and follow through without direct supervision

* Communicate with certificated staff concerning individual student progress; adjust methods to meet the needs of a wide variety of students; consult with certificated staff concerning remediation or enrichment activities

* Locate, prepare and/or modify materials for student use, enrichment activities and special projects under the direction of certificated staff

* Regularly demonstrate professionalism in appearance, actions, decisions, and overall performance

* Maintain confidentiality consistent with district ethical guidelines

* Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of classroom, implements and equipment; wash dishes, clean and disinfect tables and counters, and wash/dry clothes, towels, washcloths and bibs

* Assist certificated staff in maintaining records, logs, charts, assignments and other records for…