Topeka Public Schools USD 501

Paraprofessional II-A (SPED)

Position Purpose: To ensure the successful learning of exceptional students by providing and facilitating quality support to programs and personnel.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalency; possess 48 hours of college coursework or pass the equivalency exam.

Ability to successfully accomplish/complete 20 hours annual in-service training.

Conscientiously accept and follow directions.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Exhibit sound judgment.

Skills in:

Typing and word processing

Operating general office machinery

Performing general bookkeeping

Operating a computer

Operating and maintaining learning assistance software

Fundamental understanding of special education students.

Adaptable to a variety of situations.

Physical/Emotional Requirements: (The incumbent may be required to use the following skills and abilities during any part of the working day.) Speaking, hearing, manual dexterity

(coordination of eye/hand for such activities as typing, calculating, word processing, and the like), bending, stooping, sitting, walking, standing, lifting (up to 50 lbs.). Some positions will require the ability to provide physical assistance and personal care for students with various disabilities.

Performance Responsibilities:

Assignments vary by location, programs, and students served. The position requires the ability and willingness to work with students receiving gifted services or having disabilities ranging from mild to severe.

Each para will be assigned to work in one or more of the following environment(s).

Work with an individual professional and/or student throughout the day.

Work as a team member (composed of paras and certified professionals).

Under the direction of a certified faculty member, work individually with varied students throughout the day.

Work as a team with varied groups of students throughout the day.

Listed below are a variety of expectations that may be assigned by the certified supervisor.

This is a representative list and is not meant to be all-inclusive.

As assigned:

Assist in daily instruction and training

Assist students in achieving their individual objectives

Provide assistance and care in such activities as dressing, eating, drinking, toileting and grooming

Record/chart student data

Assist in restraining students

Monitor students for changes that require medication

Tutor children individually and in groups

Set up equipment for testing and learning

Communicate effectively with patrons and students

Assist students with therapy procedures initiated by the certified supervisor

Perform liaison duties between staff and parents

Conduct home visits

Assist families in accessing available community resources

Assist in obtaining emergency services such as clothing, food, medical services, etc.

Monitor students and provide assistance for in-school suspension, lunchroom, recess, field trips, and hall supervision

Under the direction of a certified staff member, monitor library/learning centers, laboratories, and equipment

Assist students with therapy procedures initiated by the certified supervisor

Administer, score, and record achievement and diagnostic tests under the supervision of a certified faculty member

Type, organize, duplicate, distribute and file correspondence, reports, tests, testing materials

Prepare and maintain records and reports

Transcribe taped information

Complete record forms including histories, needs, problems, and recommended action

Operate and care for assigned equipment

Perform general bookkeeping tasks, including the collection and recording of collected money

Answer phone, provide information when appropriate, relay messages, set up appointments

Assist school personnel, parents, and students in the successful transition and integration of students into the proper learning environment(s)

Organize and/or schedule conferences

Assist in implementing plans by notifying, scheduling, coordinating, and presenting information

Assist with behavior control as needed

Assist with attendance, data collection, and graphing

Receive, sort, process, and distribute equipment, materials, and mail

Attend professional development meetings and other meetings, as assigned

Visit the Topeka Public Schools website for additional information. https://www.topekapublicschools.net

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.78 - $16.15 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person