Paraprofessional

POSITION

Special Education Paraprofessional

POSITION SUMMARY

Assume responsibility for continued professional growth to fully support educational programming. Support and act in accordance with all school district goals, objectives and policies, Massachusetts General Laws, and other federal and state laws. Assume appropriate roles as adult model and educator. Demonstrate knowledge of students needs, including but not limited to: educational, medical, physical, sensory, speech/language, social/emotional, recreational, vocational, etc., as established by a multidisciplinary team and implement as needed. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all matters pertaining to students and personnel. Demonstrate effective organizational skills, time management, and flexibility in order to meet staff and students needs. Function as program or classroom instructional assistant but may be assigned as a one on one (1:1) instructional assistant on occasion. Attends work on a regular basis, arrives to school on time; prepared to assist in the classroom. Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the program coordinator, and/or classroom teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be highly qualifiedHighly qualified is defined as: 1. Obtained an Associates (or higher) degree; or2. Complete at least two years, or 48 credit hours of study at an institution of higher education; and or3. Passed a formal assessment approved by Administration which measures a paraprofessionals knowledge of and ability to assist classroom teachers in reading, writing and mathematics, such as ParaPro.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Planning and Preparation Check functioning, operate, and report concerns of specialized equipment as trained and directed Assist in the preparation of instructional materials (Copy, order, arrange, or gather materials as directed) including visual aids and classroom displays. Observe and record data related to student interactions, initiatives, and health needs. Classroom Environment Escort, supervise, and assist student(s) to various settings throughout the building including, but not limited to: cafeteria, recess, and general education/special classrooms including arrival and dismissal times. Facilitate appropriate social interactions amongst students by prompting, modeling, and reinforcing appropriate social behaviors in small group or classroom settings. Assist in the follow through of planned behavior plans/interventions and provide reinforcement Implement special systems/programs following training to assist students with specific diagnoses.

Instruction Assist Integrated Learning Center teacher and other educators with maintaining inclusive, learner-centered environments. Ensure accommodations are provided to and for students Assist student with relevant curriculum skills in school or community settings. Help students implement and self-manage organization skills. Help facilitate inclusion of students into general education settings. Assist and monitor students in using assistive technology devices Professional Responsibilities Establish a positive rapport with staff, students, and families Consult or meet with teachers or other professionals utilizing appropriate channels by engaging in positive solution finding steps to resolve areas of concern and request direction, instruction, or guidance for new or unfamiliar tasks. Provide and communicate information in a timely manner about students or equipment to educators and administration. Refers questions from families to appropriate teaching or administrative personnelModel appropriate hygiene, appearance, interaction, and actions Provide accurate information about students to team members, discuss confidential school issues only with appropriate personnel. Be flexible, willing to listen, experiment, and make changes when needed

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Participates in training for the purpose of providing or receiving information and updating skills.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unitOther duties as assigned

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the jobs functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organizations services.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Ability to demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all situations and must be able to withhold confidential information Ability to work well with all levels of internal management, staff, and students as well as parents/guardians Ability to respond to changing situations in the workplace and exhibit flexibility Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently under varying deadlines and adapt to changing work priorities Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with frequent interruptions Ability to set work priorities, take initiative, and work efficiently under minimum supervisionAbility to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing and the use of proper grammar and punctuation to write routine reports and correspondence Ability to operate standard office equipment including using pertinent job related software applications and preparing and maintaining accurate records Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative in dealing with students, faculty, and parents/guardians Ability to communicate with diverse groups Ability to operate standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications and preparing and maintaining accurate records

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The usual and customary methods of performing the job functions require the following physical demands: Significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 60% sitting, 15% walking, and 25% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere. This positIon requires the ability to lift 50 lbs. Constant hearing, hand-eye coordination/mind-eye coordination; intermittent keyboarding and telephoning. Frequent repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers.

There will be an annual performance evaluation for this position

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Computer proficiency in spreadsheets, databases and word processing. Demonstrated ability to work well with others. Demonstrated organizational skills. SALARY$18.53 - $23.54 depending on experience