Paraprofessional

Epic Charter Schools

Job Description

Job Title: Paraprofessional 

Department: Support Staff

Reports To: In Person Learning Principal

Compensation: $24.13/hr - $50,383.44 per year (Tier II)

TRS Classification: Non-Classified

Summary:

We are a unique learning environment that provides a non-traditional educational setting utilizing Internet-based, individualized self-paced instruction provided through our In-Person Learning sites. Epic IPL Paraprofessionals (paras) work primarily on-site and assist our teachers with many instructional and non-instructional tasks.

Paraprofessionals assist, support, and work closely with teachers, administrators, and other team members in providing educational benefit for students as well as assisting with non- instructional tasks.

Successful candidates should also have the following experiences and characteristics: Have an eagerness to learn and a growth mindset;

• Hold exceptionally high standards for the quality of work and ability to improve at every turn;
• Have well-developed emotional intelligence and moral character;
• Possess an ability to build strong relationships, thoughtfully navigate challenging situations, and get excellent results from others; and
• Have problem-solving and clear communication skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Provides direct instruction with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills as directed 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 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 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 all non-structured activities, including play periods, and on field trips.
• Performs assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as toileting and clothing routines.
• Communicates with families to reschedule students who have missed learning opportunities throughout the week.
• Provides virtual mini-lessons and conducts breakout room sessions with students under the direction and supervision of the certified teacher.
• When requested, serves as a resource person to the General Education Team and/or IEP / Title 1 / ESL Team(s).
• Demonstrates ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students in 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 by the certified staff..
• 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 / Title 1 / ESL Team(s). 
• Report suspected child abuse/neglect

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Education and/or Experience:

• OSDE Tier II Paraprofessional Certificate required.
• Experience as a paraprofessional in a classroom is preferred.

Qualifications:

• The ability to work and interact with all other school personnel and students in a cooperative, collaborative and courteous manner
• The ability to safely, accurately and efficiently follow verbal and written instructions. 
• The ability to understand, demonstrate knowledge of, and follow all Epic policies, rules and procedures pertinent to the assigned position and duties
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Resolve issues and conflicts
• Strong technology skills in up-to-date computer software including Zoom, word processing and spreadsheets
• Current on new instructional technologies 
• Ability to coach and mentor students 4-14
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others 
• Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative
• Passionate commitment to the mission of school choice
• Ability to maintain professional confidentiality and comply with FERPA guidelines

Language Skills: 

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families and coworkers, both verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to students, families and supervisor. 

Mathematical Skills: 

• Basic math skills required 

Reasoning Ability: 

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 

Computer Skills: 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Google applications, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Must have a high aptitude to learn new software as necessary for the business operations of the school. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current driver's license and valid car insurance 
• Valid Oklahoma Paraprofessional Certificate 
• Google Certification Preferred

Other Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass a state-mandated background check after a conditional offer of employment is made
• Must have favorable employment references

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 made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

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.

Epic paraprofessionals work primarily onsite at our In-Person Learning sites. The noise level is quiet to loud (when students are present.)