System Wide Special Education Paraprofessional - (Sumiton Elem for 202425 school yr)

Classified Position - Special Education Paraprofessional

This is a System-Wide position: Employee's location will vary depending on the needs of our students.

Job Description:

Must be willing and able to assist students with disabilities in the areas of instructional support, daily living skills, physical assistance, personal hygiene, feeding, toileting, and activities recommended by service providers in order to support the overall educational program for each student. Physical requirements are an essential duty. IEP requirements must be implemented as directed by the lead teacher and administration. Candidates must be willing to attend paraprofessional workshops and Inservice training. Other duties may be assigned by the principal and/or Special Education Director.

Job Goal: To provide assistance in the implementation of the classroom program. Serving students in grades Pre-K through 12 th grade.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. At least eighteen years of age
3. Valid Alabama driver's license
4. Successful completion of at least 48 semester hours of study at an institution of higher education that was appropriately accredited per the Alabama State Department of Education at the time the courses were taken; OR An Associate's Degree or higher documented on an official transcript from an institution of higher education that was appropriately accredited per the Alabama State Department of Education at the time the degree was earned; OR A passing score of 3 or higher on the state-prescribed WorkKeys Assessments. The tests currently required are Applied Math, Work Place Documents and Business Writing.
   Official Transcripts and Score Reports documenting successful completion of all education requirements will be required prior to beginning work in the position.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Principal and/or Special Education Director

Background Check Required: (Ala. Code §§16-22A-5) Upon offer of employment, employees will be required to submit legible fingerprints for a background review by the ALSDE approved vendor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to work with children with disabilities.
2. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
3. Ability to communicate effectively.
4. Physically capable of meeting all performance responsibilities required with students, including stooping, bending, and lifting.
5. Knowledge of problems related to the needs of special needs students.
6. Knowledge of safety practices and procedures for working with special needs students.
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
8. Knowledge and understanding of the school system rules, administrative procedures, local board policy, and state and federal rules and regulations.
9. Possesses the physical and emotional stability to fulfill the contract period.

Essential Functions:

1. Performs academic, therapeutic, and recreational tasks under the supervision of a certified special education teacher(s).
2. Works with small groups of students to reinforce and to re-teach, when necessary, material initially introduced by the teacher(s).
3. Works with individual students who need special attention.
4. Assists in the guidance of independent study, enrichment work, remedial help, and follow-up work as specified by the teacher(s).
5. Assists with routine classroom clerical and housekeeping duties.
6. Assists with preparing instructional aids, bulletin boards and other learning displays.
7. Assists with non-instructional classroom duties such as snack, break, personal hygiene/ clothing needs, etc. as directed.
8. Assists with the supervision of students during lunch periods, assemblies, physical education activities, off-campus excursions, and testing.
9. Maintains confidentiality of information as required by school policy.
10. Maintains and exhibits a high level of ethical and professional standards as expected of all personnel.
11. Participates in staff development activities and para-professional training as mandated by the State Department of Education.
12. Performs other duties as assigned by the administration.

• This position will be subject to the Students First Act of 2011. Walker County Schools reserves the right to fill this position by transfer of a qualified applicant who is already employed by Walker County Schools.

Reports to Principal and/or Special Education Director

Duty Days - 182

Salary -

**Applicants selected for certified positions must have undergone an ABI/FBI criminal history background check (fingerprinting administered through sites selected and approved by the MCPSS and State of Alabama Education Department) and been declared suitable and fit to teach under state law.

THE WALKER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.