What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paraeducator position at South Burlington School District (VT)?
South Burlington School District
Position Description
Job Title: Paraeducator
Location: District Assigned School
Job Group: Union Support Staff
Pay Level: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Principal/Director of Educational Support Systems/Supervising Teacher
Summary: Delivers instructional, behavioral, and/or personal support services to students in a variety of settings. Provides assistance in assessing student needs and progress and contributes to the development and/or modification of an assigned student’s individual education plan (IEP).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: other duties may be assigned as needed.
- Follows the student’s established IEP or other support plan under the direct supervision of certified educator. Supports students in accessing the academic standards instructed at the student’s grade level. Tutors and assist students individually or in small groups to help the student master language, reading, assignments, and/or reinforce learning concepts.
- Follows district policies and procedures to include, but not limited to: instructional techniques, communication plans, and behavior management.
- Implements student program objectives in various settings such as, but not limited to: classrooms, playgrounds, individual settings, job sites, community forums, and educational trips outside the classroom.
- Provides routine, personal care and assistance such as ambulation, dressing, and toileting. Effectively administers CPR, first aid, or less intensive medical procedures, if appropriately trained and as needed.
- Monitors all aspects of IEP. Conducts reasonable level data collection, such as short-term intensive data (e.g.: ABC sheets) or long-term less intensive (e.g.: weekly probes, class check-out). Maintains records and data sheets for assigned students as required. Actively assists in planning instruction, interventions, and lessons using data collection systems.
- Actively participates in department, student planning, and committee meetings as requested by the supervising educator. Proactively models positive, constructive behavior to others.
- Cooperates with teachers, co-workers, parents, healthcare workers, and others to ensure an appropriate learning experience for all students. Collaborates with team members to determine an appropriate sequence of events leading towards increased independence and greater inclusion in various settings.
- May assist the teacher in the learning environment by:
- Preparing instructional materials for assigned students.
- Organizing classrooms and setting up learning centers prior to and after activities.
- Helping to supervise students while they are in the lunchroom, library, music, P.E., assemblies, free play activities, and halls.
- Observing learning activities, acknowledging student requests for help, and referring student needs to the teacher as appropriate.
- Assisting in educational demonstrations for the class or small groups.
- Remains current on district programs and best practices in the profession; may be required to attend training.
General Responsibilities: Oversees the needs of assigned student(s) under the direction of a certified educator and under general coordinated supervision by the Principal and the Director of Educational Support Systems. Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule.
Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate a high degree of interpersonal and communication skills, an acute attention to detail, and demonstrated flexibility and adaptability.
Education and/or Experience: Associate’s Degree or sixty (60) or more college-level credits is required. One or more years of successful experience in a school setting and work with special needs students is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of disabilities, laws, teaching principles and methods, and instructional programming is preferred.
Certifications: Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and First Aid certification is required.
Language Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of English: meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. The ability to read and interpret documents such as: safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and policies is required. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from individuals and groups is required.
Mathematical Skills: The ability to understand basic math concepts and applications. Must be able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to assess situations, define problems, draw valid conclusions or solutions and implement decisions. Ability to interpret instructions in various formats.
Other Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated knowledge in instructional strategies, developmental learning, communication strategies, use of age-appropriate materials, and specialized instructional techniques (vocational skills, social skills, speech-language skills.) Knowledge of learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, autism spectrum disorders, and communication impairments. Knowledge of special education teaching methods, theories, and laws. Good understanding of standard classroom operations and teaching methods; good ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form and demonstrated active listening and advocacy skills. Ability to plan, organize, and manage time effectively. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all District requirements and Board policies. Knowledgeable of Microsoft Office products, internet and email systems, and mastery of the subject matter being taught. Demonstrated ongoing commitment to workplace diversity, sustainability, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are typical 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 frequently required to sit, stand, kneel, bend, crouch, stoop, walk, run, climb stairs in multi-level school environment, and transverse school grounds. Ability to reach with hands, grasp objects, and finger keyboards and equipment is required. The employee is required to talk, see, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include near, far and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires meeting deadlines and interacting with others. The employee is responsible for assisting others in the safety, well-being, and monitoring work output of students. The incumbent is expected to lift 40 pounds or more while assisting students. Possess the physical strength and stamina to safely restrain, move, or carry a student or transport items. Possess strength and stamina to be able to remain in a seated or stationary position for up to 90 minutes at a time throughout the workday.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are typical 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.
The noise level in the work environment varies, but is usually moderate. Outside the classroom and during some activities, the noise level will be moderate to loud. Occasionally there will be exposure to outside weather conditions.
Terms of Employment: Per the SBEA, ESP Master Agreement
Evaluation: According to the established evaluation cycle
Date Approved: 5/18/16 JG
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. The Board reserves the right to waive the essential requirements contained in this job description.
