Literacy Paraprofessional

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

Paraprofessional - Literacy

Department:              Instruction

Bargaining Unit:        Grand Rapids Public Schools Paraprofessional Association (GRPSPA)

Wage:                        According to the collective bargaining agreement

Direct Supervisor:    Principal

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting with promotion of literacy in elementary and K-8 buildings by working as a team member with the school staff, principal and library director in providing a quality educational program. Responsible for concept/skill reinforcement tasks and providing scholars the opportunity for additional adult/scholar relationships.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for assisting the scholars at their assigned site by support the literacy efforts of the building
• Responsible for utilizing library-based literacy supports (Accelerated Reader, STAR Assessment, etc.) to meet the needs of scholars
• Responsible for working with large and small groups of scholars, provide a variety of delivery methods for the materials to meet all scholars needs
• Responsible for keeping the library facility and environment attractive and conducive to learning, communicate with staff and scholars’ new resources, develop activities relative to special events/holidays, encourage reading by storytelling, book talks, displays, etc.
• Responsible for assisting scholars with selecting appropriate books for use outside of the school library
• Responsible for participating in and supporting RIF (Reading is Fundamental) activities
• Assist with maintaining scholar records and updating scholar schedules
• Communicate and interact professionally with a variety of adults and scholars
• Maintain a good working relationship with the teacher and scholars to keep a positive, motivating learning environment
• Assist in school mentoring program
• Attend meetings and trainings, as assigned
• Assist with other duties that create a safe and orderly learning environment
• Work with the Library Technician to assure that the library environment is maintained in an orderly fashion
• Interact with co-workers, administration, scholars, parents and the com­munity in positive, supportive and cooperative ways
• Assist with the school day activities such as before and after school supervision, lunch and recess and bus loading and unloading supervision, to ensure the safety of all scholars
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

• Must have:
  • completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 Credits); OR
  • obtained an associate's or higher degree, OR
  • achieved a passing score on a MDE approved ETS paraprofessional assessment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Dewey Decimal system and Library World

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to assist scholars with literacy skills
• Ability to deal with scholars, parents, staff and community in a tactful and courteous manner
• Experience working with children at the elementary level
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, consistently reliable attendance and punctuality, and exceptional organizational abilities.
• Ability to work with computers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to information security protocols.
• Ability to work with computers

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stands and/or walks during most of the working day. Turns, stoops, climbs, bends, pushes, pulls, reaches for and carries materials and equipment in the performance of tasks. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods (up to the entire eight-hour shift) in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of scholars.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing in the English language, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.