Non-Traditional Education Support Para-Educator

JOB LOCATIONS: Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, 90 Lawton Lane, Milton, PA and/or the Northumberland Area Career and Vocational Technical School, 1700 W Montgomery Street, Coal Township, PA 17866.  

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

The Non-Traditional Education Support Para-Educator (NTESP) reports directly to the Non-Traditional Education Support and Data Reporting Supervisor and, in their absence, to the Director of Behavioral Health Support Services.

JOB DEFINITION: The Non-Traditional Education Support Para-Educator is employed to provide students in the CSIU non-traditional education support program learning opportunities by providing academic and social-emotional pacing and coaching to students referred to the program. The NTESP assists with each student’s cyber programming, maintains progress for each student, and communicates with the student daily, using restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning skill development, behavior support, and by improving students’ self-advocacy and self-reliance. The NTESP is responsible for the efficient performance of assigned activities, including those described below.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides coaching, pacing, and goal setting related to academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning of students enrolled in the non-traditional education program (NTEP).
2. Builds behavior and academic momentum by reinforcing appropriate behaviors that increase learning and interactions.
3. Utilizes positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior.
4. Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team.
5. Displays competence and good judgment in dealing with any physical and/or medical emergencies which might arise.
6. Demonstrates ability to utilize technology.
7. Collaborates with students and non-traditional coordinator on progress for students enrolled in NTEP. 
8. Adheres to Federal, State, IU, District, and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations.
9. Uses research-based best practices in working with students who are enrolled in the NTEP, including trauma-informed strategies, restorative practices, coaching, and social-emotional learning reinforcement.
10. Monitors attendance of students and reports missed days to the home LEA.
11. Provide evaluation data to the team and distribution of this information to team members.
12. Responsible for becoming familiar with and following federal and state laws and regulations and assisting teams with interagency coordination (i.e., child labor laws, employment security, vocational rehabilitation).
13. Maintain the safety of the program by following procedures such as fire drills, weather drills, conducting threat assessments, and addressing behavioral needs.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or their designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) is required.
• The attainment of the Special Education Competency Assessment checklist (as approved by the immediate supervisor) within the first 90 working days of initial employment start date is required to remain in this position.
• A Registered Behavioral Technician certification is preferred but will be required if serving in a RBT capacity.
• The attainment of the special education competency checklist or the Child Development Associate certificate (CDA) is required within 90 school days of initial employment.   
• The ability to be flexible in adapting to various student schedules and the ability to adapt to various student behavioral needs are required.
• Knowledge and skills related to cyber or virtual environments, grading, pacing, and content.
• Lived experiences related to trauma, adverse experiences, and overcoming adversity preferred.
• Experience with learning management systems including, but not limited to: Blackboard, Moodle, Thinkific, etc.
• Computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data entry, email, and experience managing file sharing with Google Drive.
• Adept at using virtual meeting platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. 
• Ability to communicate verbally and ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff and work site coordinators.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Training in CPR and First Aid are required and subject to recertification.
2. Complete professional development opportunities as recommended by the immediate supervisor or required of the position.
3. Participate in workshops/seminars to increase knowledge in education and effective best practices as recommended by the immediate supervisor or required of the position.
4. In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.
5. Attend state, local, and when appropriate, national conferences/networking groups for assigned areas

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to position students and to provide safe crisis management.
• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Must be able to travel to work site location and required meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

1. This is a full time, non-exempt position following a 7.5 hour per day, 185-day school-year schedule. This may entail occasional overnight travel to seminars or training.
2. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.

Salary : $13 - $20