Special Education Paraprofessional

Tier: 1

Department: Child Care

Supervisor: Manager/Specialist

Location: 15380 K Road Mayetta, Ks 66509

Typical Pay rate: $13.21 - $24.36/hour

(3) Temp. Contract Positions available

• Offering rate will vary within the listed hourly range above. *Supported by the Department budget & related experience/education*
• Preference in employment actions exercised in accordance with applicable law. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility for preference.

Questions before applying? 785-966-3060

SUMMARY:

The SPED Paraprofessional assists with plans and conducting activities/programs, cares for children from 0- 3 years-old including diapering, feeding, holding, singing, dancing, reading, playing and teaching. Individual child and family goals will be developed, implemented and reviewed in partnership with parents on an ongoing, regular basis. A team approach between families and the SPED Paraprofessional will support and assist each child's family to develop linkages and relationships within the community for any services needed. In addition, this position works with and support the tiny-k Infant Toddler Program to provide collaborative services in the least restrictive environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plans and conducts daily experiences for children based on the objectives of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Early childhood education Center
• Plans and maintains a physical environment that is conducive to meeting the objectives of the program
• Plans and participates in activities that are designed to include parents in the education of their children
• Participates in training activities that can bring about increased professional competence
• Attends and participates in all staff meetings as required
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the program manager/director
• Provides a safe environment for children
• Prepares copies and performs filing for efficient record-keeping
• Assists children in daily class work and play
• Redirects children's behavior
• Stresses a germ-free environment
• Maintains newsletter and parental updates
• Submits orders for supplies and materials to the Administrative Assistant/ Early Head Start/Head start program
• Aids in communication between parents, families and staff
• Supports social-emotional development such as talking, holding, singing, comforting and playing with children
• Will engage with young children; provides physical comfort & emotional support to children during moments of distress, transition, and learning. Will redirect children when appropriate.
• Participate in planning and implementation of group socializations.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with parents and community volunteers.
• Report suspected instances of child abuse/neglect to the proper authorities &/or the Management Team
• All other duties as assigned

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all minimum requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• One year of working experience in Early childhood development; specializing in Special Education/Special needs children.
• Valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & First Aide certifications or willingness to acquire within 30 days of hire
• Must possess a caring and responsible nature with a high degree of sensitivity to children and families on and near the Potawatomi Reservation
• Must be willing to participate in continued training to improve abilities
• Must be able to positively influence the learning, emotions and behaviors of children
• Must possess the ability to operate general office equipment
• Must possess professional work ethics, manner, and appearance
• Must possess a high-level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situation and documentation
• Must possess ability to communicate professionally; both orally and in writing a service-orientated approach, sometimes in stressful circumstances
• Must be available to work a 40-hour week within the operating hours: M-F, 7:00A-5:30P and flexible as needed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be reliable, punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the department and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
• A record of satisfactory attendance and performance in all prior and current employment

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development or Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Valid CPR & First Aide certifications
• Three years of working experience in early childhood development; specializing in Special Education/Special needs children.
• Prior experience with young children and families

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to develop positive working relationships with others, including members of the public
• Ability to maintain high level of privacy and confidentiality of individuals and families
• Ability to operate general office equipment, including but not limited to: 10-key calculator, telephone, computer and operating systems, computer software programs (Microsoft Office programs), and fax/copier machines.
• Able to read, write and speak English
• Ability to work efficiently in a highly team-team oriented environment
• Ability to work in a high-stress, deadline oriented environment
• Attend out-of-state/out-of-town training periodically to enhance job performance and knowledge.
• Safety Hazards: Exposure to childhood illness and diseases
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have full range of mobility in upper and lower body; be able to reach overhead; be able to work in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time; be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks; and be able to frequently lift 20 pounds of weight throughout the assigned workday

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Background Investigation with adjudication
• Pre-employment Drug Screening
• Tuberculosis Screening (TB)

Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

Salary : $13 - $24