A Teacher Assistant assists classroom teachers by providing extra individual attention and instruction to students. Helps teachers with recordkeeping, preparation for lessons and activities and supervising students. May work with special education students, or work in a school library or computer lab; may be called teacher aide or paraprofessional.
Substitute (Paraeducator)
Gilroy Unified School District
District Office - Gilroy, California This job is also posted in Gilroy Unified School District
Job Details
Job ID:
5885795
Application Deadline:
May 24, 2027 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
Posted:
Aug 03, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date:
Immediately
Job Description
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Site Administrator and Classroom Teacher, a substitute paraeducator is one hired with the understanding that his/her association with Gilroy Unified School District will be on a substitute basis, as needed, because of the absence of a permanent or probationary employee. Substitute employees are paid at an hourly or daily rate, determined by the school district. The Substitute (Paraeducator) works in the absence of a paraeducator, providing direct services to students with a variety of needs in a general and/or special education setting. Classroom settings can vary from classrooms, learning centers, and vocational programs. The Substitute (Paraeducator) may serve students with any, or a combination of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, autism, severe physical/medical involvement such as cerebral palsy or seizure disorders, communication disorders, hearing/vision impairment, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and behavior disorders.
TYPICAL DUTIES
(Responsibilities will include but are not be limited to):
The Substitute (Paraeducator) is responsible for the following duties:
Provides direct assistance to students in areas including vocational skills, academics, motor skills including physical education and body awareness, speech and language, leisure/recreation activities, domestic skills (food preparation/housekeeping), self-help (toileting, feeding, personal hygiene, dressing, etiquette, and manners), other specialized health care such as diapering and toilet training, and other specialized subject areas based on needs.
Supervises students in a variety of tasks, ensuring safety and support
Assists in the preparation of instructional materials
Provides supports in data keeping
Assists students in using adaptive devices
Performs other related activities as required
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge/understanding of working with minors and child/adolescent psychology
Knowledge/understanding of working with students with special needs in a special education setting
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Oral and written communication skills
Record-keeping techniques
Operate computers and peripheral equipment properly and efficiently
Maintain various records related to work performed
Work independently with little direction
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Office environment
School environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
(consideration will be given to reasonable accommodation):
Sit for sustained periods of time
Climb slopes, stairs, steps and ladders
Exhibit full range of motion for shoulder external rotation and internal rotation, shoulder abduction and adduction, elbow flexion and extension, shoulder extension and flexion, back lateral flexion, hip flexion and extension and knee flexion;
Conduct frequent repetitive arm, hand and body motion
Sufficient hearing to conduct in-person and telephone conversations
Sufficient physical mobility to move about school sites
Sufficient vision to read printed material
Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversational distance, on the telephone, and in addressing groups
Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to endure long hours under stressful conditions
Standing and sitting for long periods of time
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard
During crisis situations, may require moderate to significant physical work and lengthy periods of standing
Physical ability to lift, carry, push, pull up to ten pounds on a regularly basis and up to 50 pounds occasionally
Ability to bend, twist, kneel and stoop
Ability to reach in all directions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of 48 college units, AA degree, or equivalent
Previous Experience