Special Education Paraprofessional

Position Purpose

Under direct supervision of the assigned teacher, assists in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities and in implementing classroom programs, including self‑help, behavior management, and instruction. Works with the certified teacher(s) to implement student IEPs.

• Assist teacher(s) in preparation of student work, workstations, and classroom displays.
• Assist in maintaining a classroom environment favorable to learning and relevant to the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Assume responsibility for learning, adapting, and working through teacher direction regarding each student’s special medical, physical, communicative and emotional needs.
• Assist teacher(s) and/or other school personnel in implementing the student’s IEP goals, objectives, modifications and adaptations of curriculum.
• Establish a supportive relationship with students; encourage performance and interact appropriately.
• Assist with the supervision of students during free time, lunch, playground activities, and bus duty.
• Assist with managing student behavior and crisis intervention, including restraining disruptive or dangerous physical behavior as needed.
• Assist students with individualized needs such as transferring to/from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, personal hygiene, feeding, and providing escort or ancillary support.
• Assist teacher in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategies for reinforcing behavior or academic skills.
• Maintain data collection documentation related to student academic, social, and behavior progress.
• Adjust on‑the‑spot instruction when necessary and provide daily communication and feedback to teacher(s).
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist teacher(s) in preparing and maintaining required reports, records, and other documentation.
• Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Participate in staff development training, faculty meetings, and special events as directed.
• Maintain ethical behavior and strict confidentiality of student information; uphold school rules, regulations, and laws.
• Participate in district‑sponsored paraprofessional training, including CPR, first aid, feeding, lifting techniques, Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention, Safety Care, and assistive technology.

Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or district office administrator.

• Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two‑year college or technical school; or
• 60 college credit hours from an accredited college or university; or
• Satisfactory score on Educational Testing Service Para Pro Assessment.

Knowledge of basic computer operations, Microsoft Office applications, and general office equipment (calculators, typewriters, copier). Familiarity with assistive equipment such as wheelchair lifts, ramps, Hoyer lift, and gait trainer.

• Knowledge and understanding of children with disabilities.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Willingness to follow directions.
• Ability to assess and resolve unforeseen situations per district policy.
• Acceptance of individual differences among children.
• Self‑starter, self‑directed, and capable of working independently and in a team.

Perform climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, and using hands to key data and operate tools. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently 25 pounds. Assist in toileting, feeding, personal hygiene, and lifting/preserving disabled students.

• Use strength to lift items needed for job functions.
• Sit, stand, and walk for required periods.
• Speak and hear.
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Communicate effectively in English;
  American Sign Language or Braille may also be accepted.
• Reach with hands and arms to handle objects and operate tools, technology, and controls.

• Work effectively with diverse cultures or backgrounds.
• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress.
• Have regular and punctual attendance.
• Follow all district policies, procedures, and reasonable requests by authorities.

THE BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER