Paraeducator - Afterschool

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, plans, develops, and implements lesson plans and instructional activities for elementary and middle school Expanded Learning/ASES after-school programs; continuously supervises and monitors children to ensure their safety and well-being; develops weekly goals aligned with school, District, and California after-school quality standards; performs a variety of clerical duties in support of program operations; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the After-School Recreation Coordinator. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This journey level classification is responsible for independently providing after-school supervision and instructional activities to a group of elementary or middle school-aged children in support of the Expanded Learning/ASES program. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This classification is distinguished from the Senior Paraeducator in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as serving as the primary contact person for school personnel and providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Oversees, facilitates, and coordinates the delivery of a variety of after-school instructional and recreational activities and maintains a safe environment for program participants.
• Plans, develops, and implements lesson plans and instructional activities in line with the goals and quality standards developed for each school site in line with California after-school quality standards.
• Provides homework support and tutoring assistance for students to address individual needs and improve academic/social success.
• Continuously supervises and monitors children to ensure their safety and well-being for the entire duration of the after-school program until dismissal.
• Works collaboratively with students, District staff, school personnel, and parents to ensure strong and productive relationships and a positive learning environment.
• Communicates with parents of participants regarding program objectives and activities.
• Resolves program issues within established guidelines.
• Organizes the site for program activities; monitors the condition of the assigned facility for cleanliness and safety; arranges for cleaning and repair as needed; ensures a clean, safe and orderly program environment.
• Receives and responds to questions, concerns, and complaints from parents; determines issue and resolves, or refers to supervisor as appropriate; listens and responds to parents’ need for assistance or information related to after-school programs.
• Assists in program administration work including completing forms and records, maintaining health and accident reports, attendance records, and related documents/files; maintains confidentiality of student records.
• Attends staff meetings and required training sessions.
• Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Desert Recreation District Perks at Work:

• Paid Vacation Time*
• Paid Sick Time
• Discounted Desert Recreation District Gym Membership ($1 for year)
• Discounted DRD Programs/Facililty Rentals (Up to 75% off)
• TicketsatWork (Discounts to theme parks, movies, concerts, sporting events, hotels, etc.)
• Candidate Referral Program
• Financial Fit (FinFit) Educational Resources
• Paid CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Training

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and techniques of after-school recreation, instruction, and supervision.
• General principles of child development.
• Instructional methods and techniques.
• Principles and practices of lesson planning and development consistent with program goals and objectives.
• Needs and sensitivities of elementary and middle school aged children.
• Classroom management principles and techniques.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and implement after-school recreation and instructional programs and lesson plans.
• Develop age-appropriate activities.
• Monitor children on a continuous basis to ensure safety and well-being, discipline, and order.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Provide courteous assistance to children, parents, school personnel, and the public.
• Ensure that facilities and equipment are maintained in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
• Organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Associates degree or completion of 48 college units from an accredited institution.
A high school diploma or equivalent may be qualifying if the applicant possesses a Paraeducator Certificate.

Experience: One (1) year of experience working with children in an organized setting. Experience in childcare or educational setting preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of valid certifications in First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for adult, child, and infant, to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of state-mandated Paraeducator certification, or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment, if the individual has 48 college credits or an associate’s degree or higher. Certification must be maintained for the duration of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When working in an external environment, position requires sitting, standing, walking on slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stopping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.