JOB TITLE:                                            PARAPROFESSIONAL 

DEPARTMENT:                                       Special Services

REPORTS TO:                                        Classroom Teacher / Principal

FLSA STATUS/CLASSIFICATION:          Non-Exempt; Level 3

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:                        None

APPROVED ON:                                     02/14/2023

SUMMARY:  Assists classroom teachers with students having moderate, severe or profound needs in providing a classroom environment that helps to ensure a positive learning environment that enables these students to benefit from the instructional program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists teachers in providing an effective learning environment
• Assists in carrying out IEP goals for specific students as instructed by the teacher and/or therapists
• Assists students getting on and off the bus and to/from class
• Assists special needs students with daily bodily functions as necessary to maintain a healthy child, for example, tube feeding, diapering, etc.
• Maintains vigilance to signs of child abuse or neglect 
• Assists students with eating 
• Assists students with various learning activities as directed by the teacher
• Assist students in mainstreamed classes
• Calms and/or otherwise provides support for students who are having physical outbursts, who are acting out, and/or are emotionally distressed
• If given proper certified restraint training, may be required to restrain students
• Directs and re-directs students and student behavior during different activities
• Supervises students on school campus where requested
• Assists the teacher with the preparation and evaluation of learning materials
• Completes all applicable Medicaid Direct Service reimbursement claims paperwork and submits on a  monthly basis
• May assist teacher in preparation of other related instructional materials
• Provides positive reinforcement to all students
• Assists in special class presentations, field trips and activities, as requested
• Handles routine clerical work, as assigned 
• Assists the teacher with instruction and evaluation of student work
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with FERPA

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to operate standard classroom related learning tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of data usage, including research, collection, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Demonstrate an understanding with students with special needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to do basic mathematical computations
• Produce accurate work and complete assignments with supervision
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents and community members.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws, district procedures and Board policies
• Ability to handle confrontation and conflict in a professional manner
• Must be able to move quickly to preserve student safety

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: 

Education & Experience: 

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Certified restraint training desired 
• CPR/First Aid Certification preferred
• Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that meets minimum requirements
• Criminal justice/Fingerprint clearance

Computer Proficiency: The ability to read and respond to district emails.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit and occasionally stand and walk. The employee may be required to move ten pounds and could occasionally lift or move up to twenty-five pounds.   

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor office environment.This position regularly works indoors. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderate and may become excessively noisy at times. Will have contact with employees, external agencies and the public.

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.