Department:

Student Support Services

Job Title

Educational Support Professional (ESP)

FLSA Status:

(Exempt/Non-exempt)

Unit C

Reports to:

Principal, Assistant Principal or Student Support Services Administration

GENERAL DESCRIPTION (1-3 LINES DESCRIBING ROLE):

The role of the Educational Support Professional (ESP) is to provide specialized instruction to students with disabilities. The ESP works directly under the supervision of a member(s) of the student support services team. The ESP is expected to be flexible and adaptable in meeting the needs of special education students in the school at large.

QUALIFICATIONS:

An Associate’s (or higher) degree; or taking and passing a formal assessment measuring one’s knowledge of and ability to assist classroom teachers in reading, writing, and mathematics. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (NOT LIMITED TO):

• Deliver specially designed instruction (curriculum adaptation and instructional adaptation) to special education students as outlined in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and under the supervision and direction of a member(s) of the student support services team.
• Deliver specialized instruction to students either in or out of the classroom setting in individual, small group, or co-taught classes.
• Work cooperatively under the direction of the general education teacher(s) and/or the student support services team to deliver universal accommodations and curriculum.
• Participate as a member of the student support services team.
• Monitor student progress and report such progress weekly to the student support services team.
• Participate in a weekly meeting with the student support services team that includes data review, academic, social, and behavioral programming updates, and sharing of concerns.
• Participate in professional development as required to meet the needs of students.
• Implement daily lessons under the supervision of the student support services team member who is assigned to implement the IEP.
• Implement any behavioral plans as outlined in the student’s IEP.
• Assist in data collection in support of the student’s IEP goals and objectives.
• Work collaboratively with the student support services team to prepare any specialized instructional materials.
• Prepare to start and end instruction at scheduled times in the classroom on a daily basis in order to support consistency of programming for students.
• Perform all tasks as directed by the building principal.
• In addition, ESPs responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following as documented in the student’s IEP:
• Toileting
• Attend specials, recess, lunch, etc.
• Transportation support

Skills, Knowledge and Ability:

• Skilled in implementing instructional and behavioral methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Skilled in de-escalation strategies after receiving district provided training, as appropriate.
• Skilled at assisting students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of or a willingness to learn a variety of computer programs, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Ability to shift student responsibilities as the need arises.
• Ability to monitor student performance and progress.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work Environment: The work environment is in a school setting and can expand to all aspects of the students’ school day 

Physical Requirements: 

• In a school setting working with students who are on IEP’s.
• Ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating etc.
• Able to lift up to 45 lbs. to support students, if needed.
• Ability to physically respond to students who are physically unsafe and use physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process (verbal de-escalation is preferred). 
• Ability to physically respond to students who have bolted from the building.
• Ability to physically maintain a safe learning environment, including moving furniture in response to a crisis situation.

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.