What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Paraprofessional position at Douglas High School?
The pay range for this position is $17.17 per hour to $22.77 per hour in accordance with the terms of the DESPA collective bargaining agreement
JOB TITLE: Title I Paraprofessional
JOB SUMMARY:
The Paraprofessional works closely with the classroom teacher to provide academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support and interventions to all students in all settings, including general education classrooms and substantially separate classrooms.
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) CLASSIFICATION:
This position is classified as Non - Exempt
REPORTING STRUCTURE:
The Paraprofessional reports to the Director of Special Education and Student Support Services and the Building Principal.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1.High School Graduate or GED required; Associate’s Degree preferred.
2.ParaPro exam preferred;
3.Demonstrated ability to work with students on academic tasks, under the direction of the teacher, nurse and/or support staff;
4.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing to students and adults;
5.Experience and willingness to provide direct assistance to students to manage personal care and to improve daily life skills;
6.Demonstrated familiarity with student instructional and disciplinary procedures;
7.Ability to monitor students’ safety and security;
8.Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and in conformity with district requirements and state and federal law.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Provides overall support and accommodations to student (s) and the classroom teacher (s) based on the needs of the classroom and the students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, if applicable, under the supervision and direction of the member(s) student support services team and/or classroom teacher;
2.Provides direct assistance to students to manage personal care.
3. Provides supervision and support during specials, recess, lunch, and transportation (field trips) as documented in the student’s IEP;
4.Implements instruction prepared and/or modified by teachers or related service providers to identified students and maintains appropriate documentation on outcomes of instruction;
5.Recognizes when teaching/learning and behavioral strategies are not successful and seeks the guidance of the classroom teacher(s) and specialist(s) to adapt assistance accordingly;
6.Incorporates knowledge of student learning styles, child development, skills/knowledge acquisition rates of the student(s) to whom assigned, to assist student learning and to foster independence. Assists with Observations and recording academic, behavioral and social data to measure progress;
7.With district provided training, provides support in crisis situations using district-approved crisis management and physical management protocols when necessary;
8.Assists with conducting student assessments as directed by classroom teacher(s);
9.Maintains confidentiality;
10.Supervises students during transitions and during assigned time blocks;
11.Utilizes computer technology for required and assigned tasks, as necessary;
12.Works effectively with school administration, complies with school department procedures and school committee policies;
13.Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the building principal and/or supervisor.
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is primarily performed in a classroom setting; ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating, etc.; Work involves moderate physical exertion, such as walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and carrying objects; Manual dexterity required to manipulate objects.