Special Education Paraprofessional

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of follow-up instructional activities; to assist in the conduct of training and learning activities with children experiencing special learning needs; to perform a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities for instructional personnel; and to do other related work as required. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Assists instructional personnel with the presentation of learning materials and in the conduct of instructional exercises. 2. Tutors individual students and small groups of students with special learning needs to reinforce and follow up learning and training activities. 3. Monitors and assists students with special learning needs in drill, practice, and study activities as a follow-up to the presentation of instructional lessons by instructional personnel. 4. Directs students into safe learning and play activities and functions, and assists in shaping of appropriate social behaviors. 5. Assists in the management of acting-out student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques. 6. Assists in the presentation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids geared to the instructional level of children with special needs. 7. Maintains a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and medical information. 8. Operates and assists students in the operation of a variety of instructional aids and media, and computer assisted instruction equipment and software programs. 9. Monitors and assists in the remediation of specific learning problems and conditions. 10. Performs routine first aid which may include aiding children experiencing seizures or respiratory disorders. 11. Observes and monitors children with physical handicapping conditions and requests appropriate assistance for pupil experiencing physical distress. 12. Maintains or assists in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment. 13. May participate in parent conferences, and pupil instruction and training planning processes. 14. Provides a variety of skill building activities with children who experience language and hearing disorders. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: •Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to pupils with special learning needs. •Behavior management strategies and techniques relating to pupils experiencing atypical control problems. •Appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar. •Basic arithmetical concepts. •Routine record storage, retrieval and management procedures. Ability to: •Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups, particularly those exhibiting specialized needs. •Appropriately manage student behavior and guide student toward more acceptable social behaviors. •Communicate effectively in oral and written form. •Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office related machines and equipment. •Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate instructional materials and procedures in the enhancement of a training and educational environment. •Understand and carry out oral and written directions. •Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions. •Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 10 to 20 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. •This type of work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve running, walking or standing for brief periods. •Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral information, the manual dexterity to operate related equipment and handle and work with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job. •Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. EDUCATION: •AA degree or satisfactory completion of 48 semester units of higher education. EXPERIENCE: •One year of paid or volunteer experience working with children of various age levels requiring a specialized learning environment desirable. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: •Fingerprint clearance required •TB clearance required Approved 6/18/02