Special Education Paraprofessional

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:  

Under supervision, special education paraprofessional III assists the teacher with implementing educational programs for students with disabilities in infants through adult special education programs, and performs other related duties, responsibilities, and expectations as needed. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

● Work with students individually and/or in small and large groups 

● Implement academic lessons under the guidance of the classroom teacher 

● Assist with keeping a clean classroom environment 

● Supervise students in the yard, in the classroom, and in other school campus locations to ensure that students are safe at all times 

● Facilitate students' social interactions with peers in age-appropriate ways during recess, lunch, and other social times

● Help with bus drop off and pick up 

● Assist students with transitions between daily activities 

● Provide positive behavioral support and implement behavior intervention plans 

● Help prepare instructional materials for teachers 

● Maintain confidentiality of student records and information 

● Interact professionally and respectfully with students, staff, and families 

● Assist teachers and students with field trips and community-based instruction 

● Attend required training and job-related meetings 

● Assist teacher and support staff in collecting student data 

● Assist students with basic self-care needs 

● Assist students with snacks and lunch 

● Take guidance and direction from district staff such as psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behaviorists, and other providers to implement programs for students 

● Adhere to district policies and regulations

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

● Assist with toileting and personal hygiene on an ongoing basis for students who do not have the capacity to perform these skills independently 

● Assist with specialized lifting and transferring as indicated in IEP or health plan 

● Provide intensive behavioral support and interventions 

● Conduct specialized data collection procedures beyond the basic data collection expected of all paraprofessionals   

● Implement specialized medical procedures per students' IEPs such as catheters, suctioning, tube feeding, ostomy bags, Dias tat, etc.  

QUALIFICATIONS:   

Knowledge of:

 ● Appropriate subject matter, program guidelines, and communication procedures; 

● Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation; 

● Reading and writing communication skills; 

● Basic mathematics skills; 

● Interpersonal skills including patience, tact, empathy, and courtesy; 

● General classroom procedures, practices, and equipment; 

● General needs of students with disabilities and understanding of related challenges; 

● Basic child development; 

● Basic First Aid 

Skills in: 

● Following special instructions and communication procedures; 

● Following oral and written directions; 

● Communicating clearly both orally and in writing; 

● Recordkeeping and providing clerical support duties; 

● Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with school staff, students, and parents; 

● Reading, writing and arithmetic; 

● Using computers, technology, and online/virtual learning platforms  

Ability to: 

● Perform the duties of the position with or without accommodation;  

● Learn, apply and interpret rules, policies, regulations and procedures;  

● Act calmly and appropriately in emergencies; 

● Work cooperatively and communicate effectively with those contacted during the course of work 

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Education:  

● High school diploma or the equivalent, and 

● Two years of college (48 units), or ● A.A. degree (or higher), or 

● Pass a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction.