JOB DESCRIPTION
Severe Needs Paraprofessional

JOB TITLE: Special Education Severe Needs Paraprofessional
LOCATION: Fort Logan Northgate
WORK SCHEDULE: 172 work days, 7.5 hours per day, Monday – Friday
WORK STATUS: Classified At-Will Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Exceptional Student Services and School Principal. Day to day supervision is by Special Education Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:
Responsible for providing safety monitoring and assisting with medical needs to special education students with significant needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Carries out behavior management plans or nursing care plans developed by the team for students with challenging needs in all environments.

2. Works daily with students with severe, aggressive behaviors or in a 1 to 1 type of service for students with severe physical needs.

3. Assists special education staff in providing academic and social skill enrichment in a variety of settings.

4. Assists special education and general education staff in monitoring individual student progress toward IEP goals and objectives, including documenting student behaviors and/or medication, physical need issues.

5. Accompanies students with severe disabilities to regular education classes and assists them in taking notes, explaining material, and completing assignments as appropriate. 

6. Carries out IEP plans for behavior, physical, medical and academic issues for specified students, generally in a 1 to 1 setting, under the direct guidance of the special education personnel.

7. Participates in Special Education team meetings and planning as requested.

8. Assists in preparation of Special Education instructional materials and record keeping, as requested.

9. Acquires and use a repertoire of behavior management strategies.

10. Follows all Universal Precautions in handling of bodily fluids

11. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES:
None

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Experience
• One to three years’ experience working with students with challenging behaviors, medical issues, or physical disabilities is preferred. 
• Experience using computers, word processing programs and general office equipment

Education
High School diploma or G.E.D. Must also meet NCLB requirements by having one of the following:
• At least 48 credit hours completed at an institute of higher education; OR
• An Associate’s (or higher) degree; OR
• Must be able to demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in reading, writing, and math. Testing is administered through the School District.
• Training in CPI, First Aid, CPR, and medication administration
• Ability to communicate effectively 

Licenses or Certification
None 


GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
• Is flexible
• Has the ability to work collaboratively with supervisors and co-workers
• Adheres to high standards of confidentiality
• Uses team concept to plan, problem-solve and share space, equipment, resources and knowledge with coworkers
• Maintains a positive attitude
• Observes all district policies and procedures
• Supports the Sheridan School District Strategic Plan


ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position is performed in an environment that is mostly clean; some noise; interactions with students with aggressive behaviors, medical needs or physical needs, generally in a 1-1 setting. This job consists of direct contact with students.
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following Physical Demands:
• Occasional jogging/running
• Frequent lifting ten (10) to twenty (25) pounds.
• Frequent sitting, bending, walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.
• May need to assist students with mobility (including manual and motorized wheelchairs or walkers)
• May need to assist students with toileting and personal hygiene 
• Must be able to manipulate 50 lbs safely

This description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making compensation decisions. This job description is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the District and is not intended to create any express or implied contract of employment or expectancy of continued employment for any definite term.