The filling of this position is based upon continued funding in the Board of Education budget.

POSITION TITLE: PARAEDUCATOR – SPECIAL EDUCATION (GENERAL)

PURPOSE:
To serve as an integral member of the instructional team to provider services to individual student(s) in accordance with the goals/objectives identified by the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Certified Staff Professional(s) and/or appropriate Administrator.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

STUDENT SUPPORT DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with individual students or small groups of students, under the supervision of a certified teacher, to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
• Collect data on student progress, under the direction of the teacher, for individual students or groups of students.
• Follow student schedule(s), as written by certified staff, i.e. administrators, teachers, related service providers, etc. and seek clarification as needed.
• Assist the teacher in the handling, operation, and care of equipment used in the classroom, including media and instructional materials.
• Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assembles, play periods, field trips, and in other non-classroom activities.
• Support with implementation of goals and objectives (IEP) as assigned by certified staff, and maintain strict confidentiality of the same.
• Foster independence in students through implementation of Independence goal(s) and other strategies
• Assist with daily living needs, such as feeding and bathroom accommodations.
• Assist with organization and on-task behavior
• Implement behavior intervention plans under the direction of a certified staff member.
• Serve as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Assist with implementation of Health Care plans for students and other medical needs.
• Alert the teacher(s) regarding any problem or special information related to an individual student.
• Help students master equipment or instructional materials assigned by teacher.
• Assist other students in an inclusion classroom.

GENERAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in professional development training programs, as required.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and sensitivity of information about students as is expected of a certified teacher.
• Exhibit a clear understanding of the IEP information as it pertains to their role as an implementer.
• Distribute and collect workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions effectively.
• Exhibits proficiency in basic reading, math, writing, and speaking English.
• Must possess or be willing to acquire the skills necessary to work productively with children.
• Appropriate reading, spelling, writing, and math skills to support student.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of, at a minimum, the essential functions of the position.
• Must exhibit good judgment, patience, tact, and courtesy.
• Utilizes and maintains ethical practices for confidential communication about students.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

MINIMUM Qualifications:

• Must follow the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements and have passed the ParaPro Assessment, hold an Associate’s Degree, or have completed at least 60 credits at an approved college
• Must possess or be willing to acquire the skills necessary to support any specialized programs for Special Needs students, including support of behavioral plans, strategies for autism or other identified diagnoses, or support for treatments such as ABA or activities of daily living such as feeding and toileting.
• Experience/training in working with children preferred.
• Comfort with use of standard computer applications.
• Such additions and alternatives to the above qualifications as may be appropriate and acceptable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This will include indoor office/classroom settings, outdoor play, recreation areas and field trip locations. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. 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 sit for extended periods of time to view & operate computer equipment, and to stand for extended periods of time to assist student(s) and/or staff.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop and kneel.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Paraeducators of Stamford Association

WORK YEAR: As per Bargaining Agreement

COMPENSATION: $25,461.00 to $43,314.00
Step Placement is based on education and experience as outlined in the Paraeducator Contract.

Application Procedures:
Online application is required.

Internal Applicants: Please upload a cover letter (summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position) and resume as part of your Internal Application.