Para In School Suspension 2024-2025 (.94 FTE)

Job Title: Para In School Suspension

Position Function: The Paraeducator will provide a structured and respectful environment for students who are assigned to the In-School Suspension Room. Students may be assigned as a consequence for failure to comply with the school's student expectations. The main function of the Paraeducator is to support the teacher working with individual or groups of students.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Will spend a large portion of their time in the classroom
• Assist students with lessons under direct supervision of the classroom teacher
• Genuinely committed to helping children learn - assist students and reinforce concepts for individuals or small groups
• Work with teachers to modify activities to meet individual student's needs
• Assist teachers in monitoring, collecting data, and maintaining records regarding student performance and progress
• Assist in the maintenance of learning areas and/or learning centers and instructional materials and use appropriate educational technology and resources
• Display patience and understanding while managing children
• Ability to work in demanding situations and still maintain a sense of order
• Understand and be sensitive to the obstacles facing the children under supervision.
• Teach self-help, problem solving and/or coping skills
• Recognize individual learning styles and become knowledgeable of the characteristics of learners you serve (e.g., cultural background, language proficiency, mobility and family dynamics)
• Challenge students to fulfill their potential
• Document parent contacts and inform appropriate personnel. Many contacts are required for students' supplemental services
• Be an active part of an educational team within the students you serve
• Knowledge of various philosophies and theories of education
• Assist students to and from buses and assisting the drivers until departure time
• Assist in the transportation of students

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Be able to work in various weather conditions
• Be able to react immediately to an emergency situation for the safety and welfare of the students and staff, which may include the use of physical restraint techniques
• Be able to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps and reach overhead
• Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability and stamina for a full day of physical activity
• Be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 20 pounds

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Paras working in a Title School must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits verifiable with a transcript or pass a state approved assessment
• 1 year of experience working in a related field preferred

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt