Specialized Paraprofessional

Specialized Paraprofessional

Reports To:

Building Administrator

Essential Functions

Performance Responsibilities (aligned to “MT Paraprofessional Standards”) Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by certified staff. Assists the certified staff in devising special strategies for reinforcing learning materials and skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities. Monitors work, corrects papers, and supervises curriculum-based testing and makeup work as assigned by the certified staff. Serves as the chief source of information and help to any guest teacher assigned in the absence of the regular certified staff. Performs clerical, classroom maintenance, and instructional duties as assigned by the certified staff. Alerts the certified staff to any problem or special information about an individual student. Performs assigned supervision of students during lunch periods, play periods, and on field trips. Performs assigned non-instructional classroom duties such as snack time, toileting, and clothing routines. Demonstrates ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students in the school environment and community. Participates in in-service training programs as approved. Maintains a safe working environment and encourages colleagues to be safety minded in the performance of all school-related duties. Performs other such duties/assignments as directed. Assists as directed by certified staff in the effort to successfully maintain students with special needs in an integrated setting as determined by the IEP and Title I teams. Effectively collects and maintains evidence of meeting “Montana Paraprofessional Standards”. (Only minimum duties are listed. Other functions may be required as given or assigned)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

High school diploma or GED minimum. Aptitude for the work to be performed. Interest in children and education. Desire to assist students with special needs in a learning environment. Emotion maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board find appropriate and acceptable.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or GED minimum.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
The employee works around others, working with students, staff and the public. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside with assigned duties for outside activities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be met to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; occasionally walk and stand; twist at neck, bend at waist, reach; travel from building to other sites. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments. The employee may be required to lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Mental / Motor Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are usually available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and must maintain attentiveness intensity. The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description 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. For those classified employees employed under a written contract for a specified term, nothing contained in this job description shall create a property right beyond the specified duration of the employment contract.

Compensation:

Hourly wage: $16 - $18, determined by experience, plus benefits.