Elementary Lifeskills Paraeducator

ELEMENTARY LIFESKILLS PARAEDUCATOR

at Heritage School

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Lifeskills Paraeducator will assist teachers in providing instructional, behavioral, and/or custodial support and to help equip all students with the knowledge, proficiency, and personal skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly complex society.

Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated, have a deep desire to grow professionally, believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive, and demonstrate the highest level of cultural competence. SAS strives to employ individuals who possess a strong work ethic, are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities, and understand that equity, inclusion, and social justice are essential to the success of a 21st-century school community.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education/Certification

• Has a minimum of 60 post-secondary credits or passed the WorkKeys Test, or otherwise meets Highly Qualified status.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Exemplary, regular, and predictable attendance is expected.

Preferred Education/Certification

• CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification preferred. 
• NCVI Training / Certification preferred. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Assist with daily living tasks (feeding, toileting, dressing, hygiene) while promoting independence and dignity.
• Provide medical support as trained; follow healthcare plans and district protocols.
• Provide behavior support and implement positive behavior support plans, support skill development, and use de-escalation strategies to maintain a safe environment.
• Assist with lifting, transferring, and positioning of students in accordance with safety training.
• Under the guidance of special education and classroom teachers, support the implementation of the instructional program and adapt curriculum and instructional techniques specific to the needs of individual students.
• Collect student data to assist teachers in monitoring student progress. Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, district policy, and teacher or administrative request.  Complete and submit reports on time.
• Perform duties necessary to support students who need assistance with daily life activities such as feeding, toileting, self-care, and hygiene and health-related activities as assigned by the case manager, teacher, or nurse. 
• Maintain clear and complete communication with the case manager and teacher.
• Respect the role of the case manager and teachers as the primary contacts with parents. Communicate directly with parents only to the extent approved by the case manager or teachers.  Refer all other questions to the case manager or teachers.
• Support a classroom climate that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the age and maturity of the students.  Maintain a safe and secure environment that embodies trust and mutual respect.
• Utilize Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) strategies to help students regulate emotions and de-escalate behavior according to student plans, as directed by the case manager and/or teacher.
• Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.  Maintain order in a fair and just manner.
• Maintain student confidentiality.  Demonstrate a professional demeanor with parents and co-workers.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues.  Participate as requested in team or department meetings, IEP meetings, staff meetings, professional development, and/or other committees as appropriate or assigned.
• Strive to maintain an understanding and awareness of pertinent research and practices and to continuously improve professional competence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Organize and coordinate work.
• Develop and implement projects.
• Effective and respectful verbal and written communication skills.
• Communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
• Engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrate exemplary attendance and punctuality.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

Work in standard office and school building environments requiring mobility, visual and auditory acuity, communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, adaptability, technology proficiency, physical stamina, and environmental awareness.

WORK SCHEDULE

During the school year, employees will work approx. 7:25 AM - 3:15 PM (specific hours to be set by employer).

FLSA STATUS 

Non-Exempt

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Per the ESP Contract

PAY RATE

Starting at $23.50 per hour, commensurate with experience. 

APPLICATION METHOD
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and upload all necessary documents on the TalentEd Website (please visit our HR web page at: https://saline.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx# to access the SAS Job Openings). All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until the position has been filled.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume via email to Monica Ellis, at ellism@salineareaschools.org. All letters of interest, resumes, and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until filled.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

If you have any accessibility concerns regarding the completion of this application, please contact Alli Littlejohn, HR Coordinator, littleja@salineschools.org to set up an appointment for additional support.