Special Education Paraprofessional

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of college.
• Experience in working with special education students preferred.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and specific software.
• Completion of required training on selected health procedures used with handicapped or exceptional students.
• If assigned to a Title I school, also meet the requirements for the No Child Left Behind Act:
  1. Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or
  2. Associate's or higher degree;
  3. Knowledge and ability to assist in instruction in core subjects as verified by a rigorous state or local assessment.
• Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to work with students with varying exceptionalities. Ability to assist in teaching life skills. Ability to use technology in assigned areas of responsibility. Basic English and mathematics skills. Knowledge of CPR and first aid. Ability to perform clerical tasks. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner. Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimum supervision. Ability to work cooperatively with others.

REPORTS TO:

Principal

JOB GOAL

To assist the teacher of exceptional students or other school personnel to serve special education students in support of a quality educational program.

SUPERVISES:

N/A

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist students with personal hygiene, health and safety issues or grooming if required.
• Assist students with daily living needs such as toileting, feeding and personal hygiene.
• Assist students with dressing and undressing and the care of clothing as needed and as directed by teacher.
• Perform health procedures as assigned after completing required training.
• Assist with physical therapy and training programs as developed by various resource persons.
• Work as a team member with occupational, physical and speech/language therapists; implement recommendations for positioning, weight bearing, brace wear and other adaptive devices and therapies necessary for optimal student development.
• Follow instructions of therapists, health professionals and others to provide services to students, g. , positioning, communication, feeding, tube-feeding, suctioning, catheterization.
• Meet the special education student's bus and assist the student to the classroom area.
• Provide bus assistance to and from the student's home if required.
• Assist with the safe loading of the students on the correct bus.
• Assist the teacher in preparing materials and equipment for direct instructional activity including locating, copying, collating, distributing and grouping materials to support instructional activities planned by the teacher.
• Examine short- and long-term unit plans prepared by the teacher and anticipate the need for specific supplies and materials.
• Follow appropriate training and lead small group activities planned by the teacher in an atmosphere where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Provide instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by the teacher or administrator.
• Assist the teacher in preparing for changing curriculum to meet the needs of students with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, learning styles and special needs.
• Assist in evaluating program effectiveness and seek and suggest ways of continuous improvement.
• Schedule space for specialized instructional programs and coordinate the arrangement of equipment, desks, tables and chairs in the activity area.
• Manage the computer lab or computer assisted instruction in the classroom.
• Assist in assessing student progress as directed, including proctoring the administration of tests, grading papers and maintaining confidential records.
• Assist the teacher in completing requirements for grade reporting, scheduling conferences and recording results.
• Assist the teacher with student supervision.
• Assist the teacher in the enforcement of classroom rules and the maintenance of appropriate records.
• Assist in the implementation of appropriate student behavior management techniques.
• Use classroom management techniques conducive to an effective classroom environment.
• Provide physical restraint when students' behavior mandates.
• Administer to the basic needs of special education students.
• Attend parent meetings and participate in home visits as required.
• Maintain student data files.
• Assist in maintaining the security of records, materials and equipment.
• Perform assigned clerical and bookkeeping duties.
• Use time efficiently.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students.
• Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Meet and deal effectively with the general public, staff members, parents, administrators and other contact persons using tact and good judgment.
• Follow attendance, punctuality and appropriate dress rules.
• Ensure adherence to good safety standards.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.
• Model and maintain high ethical standards.
• Maintain expertise in assigned area to fulfill position goals and objectives.
• Participate successfully in the training programs offered to increase skill and proficiency related to assignment.
• Exercise service orientation when working with others.
• Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
• Use effective, positive interpersonal communication skills.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Serve on school/system committees as required or appropriate.
• Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.
• Follow federal and state laws and School Board policies, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate support for the school system and its goals and priorities.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
• Participate successfully in the training programs offered to increase skill and proficiency.
• Participate in cross-training activities as required.

Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

*Essential Performance Responsibilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force as needed to move objects.

May be required to restrain a physically active individual as a temporary safety measure.

Job Description Supplement 06

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan.

Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.