JOB DESCRIPTION:Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a classroom environment; assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans; provide clerical support for instructional activities. QUALIFICATIONS:Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED. Must have strong office, computer, and oral and written communication skills. Incumbents must possess knowledge of child guidance principles and practices and basic instructional methods and techniques. Must participate in training provided by the Special Education Department.Must be highly-qualified. The paraprofessional can be determined for highly-qualified if he or she has:Two years of college experienceA two-year college degree from an accredited collegePassed the Para-Pro AssessmentOne year or 1,000 hours of previous employment in a school or working with childrenPassed annual school-level evaluationsCompleted 48 credit hours of college level classes from an accredited collegeChild Development Associate (CDA) credentialsIf selected for an interview, candidate must provide proof of education at time of interview (official transcripts and/or Para Pro results) ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Assist certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom environment; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects. 2. Assist individual and small groups of students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects in various subject areas; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples & emotional support. 3. Assist students with performing daily living and self-care activities as assigned; toilet students and change diapers and soiled clothing as needed; assist student with positioning and mobility needs; assist students with personal hygiene such as bathing and grooming. 4. Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; grade student tests and assignments; record grades; take and record attendance. 5. Explain classroom assignment and homework instructions; assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans and instructional activities; assist with student understanding of classroom rules and procedures. 6. Accompany and assist students in mainstreamed classes as assigned; escort students to and from buses and classes; push student wheelchairs; lift students in and out of wheelchairs; load and unload students on and off of buses. 7. Provide behavioral supports for students in the classroom according to established policies and procedures; monitor students during outdoor activities and field trips as required; monitor and report progress regarding student performance and behavior. 8. Assist students with performing and developing independent living, organizational, communication, social and self-help skills as assigned; assist students with handling educational materials; assist student with eating activities as needed. 9. Assist students with physical therapy, occupational therapy and related exercises as assigned by the position; utilize and assist students with adaptive equipment. 10. Follow health and safety practices and procedures; assist with maintenance of classroom and other assigned areas in a safe, orderly and clean manner. 11. Attend and participate in trainings and in-services as needed. 12. Perform related duties as assigned by the Administrator to meet the particular needs of the building/unit. PROBATIONARY PERIOD:New employees must successfully complete their probationary period to be eligible to apply for posted positions.Employees must remain in their current position a minimum of sixty (60) calendar days to be eligible to apply for any non-lateral posted position.Current non-probationary employees may only apply for lateral positions at the end of each school year. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this 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 regularly required to speak and hear. The employee is required to have dexterity of hands and fingers. The employee is required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. They may be occasionally required to bend at the waist, kneel or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job the incumbent is seated or walking at will. The employee will be required to lift, carry and/or push or pull students weighing 50 pounds or more in wheelchairs as assigned. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is may be frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.