Special Education Paraprofessional

SUMMARY
King Elementary School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Special Education Paraprofessional. This position involves working closely with students with diverse learning needs, providing support in both academic and social settings. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes the growth and development of every student.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Supervises students and assists teachers in duties relating to the classroom, playground, cafeteria, bus loading, and other school functions.
• Assists students (as a Paraprofessional) with activities as directed by the teacher and/or principal.
• Maintains a firm sense of order, enforces disciplinary rules.
• Supervises safety of students.
• Maintains a harmonious atmosphere while on duty.
• Prepares and duplicates materials as directed by supervising teacher.
• Prepares and updates classroom-based confidential files as directed by supervising teacher.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding student and staff information.
• Provides support to the classroom teacher, which may include minor clerical tasks.
• Respects the rights of students, helps the student participate in discussions which affect him/her and allows the student to do as much as he/she can for themselves in the instructional environment.
• Attends to the physical needs of the students including physical restraint (used as a last resort), transporting, feeding, dressing, bathroom needs, and other needs as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Assists with the collection of data pertaining to student.
• Takes initiative and makes decisions appropriate to the situation.
• Performs other duties as apparent or assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of classroom, playground, building and bus routines; of safety and security procedures. Ability to work with students and teachers in a harmonious way. Ability to collaborate closely with the teacher or principal. Ability to perform when trained (i.e., therapy, academic help).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

AA/AS or higher or the equivalent college credits (64 semester hours). Passing score on a Para Assessment. Experience with children and their needs preferred, but not required. General understanding of public-school education. Good human relations skills. Ability to communicate effectively with other teaching, administrative, and support staff individuals. Ability to maintain confidentiality with student matters. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with parents/guardians.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform the following physical demands: occasional exertion of up to 30 lbs of force, ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, occasional walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, twisting, turning and other repetitious motions.