Help Wanted: Special Education Paraprofessional

–  Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

–  Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.

–  Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.

–  Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.

–  Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.

–  Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.

–  Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.

–  Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.

–  Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.

–  Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.

–  Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.

–  Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.

–  Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.

–  Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.

–  Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

–  Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.

–  Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note:   The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

–  Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

–  Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

–  Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.

–  Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.

–  Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).

–  Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.

–  Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.

–  Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.

–  Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.

–  Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.

–  Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

–  Works in standard office and school building environments.

–  Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

–  Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

–  High School diploma or equivalent.

–  Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination (ParaPro Test)  as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.

–  Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

FLSA Status:         Non-exempt