Special Education Paraprofessional

PARAPROFESSIONAL – SPECIAL EDUCATION

QUALIFICATIONS:              High School diploma or equivalent, PLUS two years of college coursework (48 units), OR Associate Degree (or higher), OR pass a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction (Parapro, WorkKeys, OGET).

REPORTS TO:                        Principal / Special Services Director

JOB SUMMARY:  The special education paraprofessional will work alongside the special education teacher in the instruction of exceptional children. Will be responsible for completing the more routine tasks of the classroom and will assist with the programs developed by the special education professionals. The paraprofessional will work with a specific teacher and is assigned to a particular classroom.         

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides support to the certified Special Education (SPED) Teacher.
• Assists in the delivery of services to multi handicapped and deaf-blind children.
• Assists students in accomplishing activities assigned by the SPED Teacher.
• Uses appropriate management techniques when working with students.
• Completes non-instructional duties such as classroom maintenance, student supervision and clerical duties.
• Supervises students in the classroom, playground, hallway, restroom, therapy area, gymnasium and other specified areas on and off the school campus.
• Assists special education students with adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, braces and lifts.
• Assists special education students with special/emotional needs.
• Performs other duties as directed by the Superintendent or her/his designee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Knowledge of current computer software packages and classroom technology tools. 
• Proven ability to work effectively and communicate with parents, community, students and staff.
• Service-oriented mindset and an inclination towards creative problem solving.
• Individuals should be self-motivated, organized and able to manage multiple, diverse projects at once.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:  Regular classroom/school environment. Regular office environment, including frequent use of electronic email, being able to sit for long periods of time without a break, etc. Normal effort of occasional periods of moderate physical activity.  Work is typically performed in an office environment with some travel to other campuses. Interruptions are expected to occur often. Must be able to adapt and respond quickly to non-emergency and emergency situations.