What are the responsibilities and job description for the PARAPROFESSIONAL - PARA position at The Children s Center of Hamden Inc?
SPED PARAPROFESSIONAL (Whitney Hall School)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional and behavioral support to students with disabilities under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher and/or school administrator. The Paraprofessional assists in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), reinforcing academic instruction, supporting students’ social and emotional needs, and promoting independence and inclusion within the school environment. This position is accountable to the Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Paraprofessionals and expected to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the educational and behavioral needs of students.
POSITION STATUS: Non-Exempt
TECHNOLOGIES: Microsoft Office Suite, Electronic Health Record System Platform (Carelogic by Qualifacts), Scheduling Platform (ADP WFM), Online Trainings Platform (ADP WFN), Connecticut Special Education Data System (CT SEDS)
Accountable and responsible for the following results:
- Assist the classroom teacher in the implementation of students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including but not limited to behavior support, behavior intervention plans, providing accommodations, and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and educational programming.
- Support classroom management by organizing instructional materials, maintaining a structured learning environment, and reinforcing classroom expectations.
- Work with individual students or small groups on educational tasks assigned by the teacher to help address targeted learning goals and objectives.
- Follow the directives of the teacher to support classroom routines, instructional activities, and individualized student needs.
- Serve as a substitute for the teacher during scheduled meetings (e.g., PPTs, case conferences, parent conferences) or when the teacher is absent due to illness or extended leave.
- Attend professional development sessions, staff meetings, team meetings, and school in-services as assigned by administration or designees.
- Support parental involvement activities as assigned, including acting as a substitute for the teacher when appropriate.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
- Provide one-to-one tutoring or targeted academic support to students as assigned, including during times when a student is not otherwise receiving direct instruction.
- Collect, record, and input daily behavioral and academic data accurately and in a timely manner.
- Accompany and assist students in all scheduled classes, including specials such as physical education, art, and music.
- Provide IEP/504-related academic support to students in specialized settings, such as the library or media center.
- Supervise and assist students during non-instructional times, including lunch, recess, and transition periods.
- Maintain secure access to all assigned digital systems, including Carelogic and other school-approved platforms.
- Assist with daily student arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure safety and consistency.
- May be assigned to support students within the residential cottage during school hours as part of the educational programming.
- Regularly review and renew all necessary certifications while completing mandatory training to remain in compliance with organizational and regulatory guidelines.
- Maintains certification in CCG training and safely applies physical restraint techniques when required, ensuring the safety of clients and staff.
- Maintains appropriate personal boundaries with young people and families served at The Children’s Center of Hamden, in accordance with the agency’s Boundary Code of Ethics.
- Maintains awareness of The Children’s Center of Hamden’s Policy and Procedure Manuals and accesses relevant information as needed to guide decision-making and ensure compliance.
- Contributes to a safe, welcoming, and equitable environment that reflects the agency’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree in Human Services or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment is required.
- Two (2) years of experience in the field of human services preferred.
- Knowledge of direct care practices and effective instructional and behavioral support methods.
- Ability to understand and respond appropriately to the needs and challenges of individuals served.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain discipline, order, and a safe learning environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment when managing behavioral or emotional issues.
- Demonstrated interest in the human services field and commitment to supporting student development and success.
- Applicants with 60 or more college credits and relevant classroom experience may also be considered.
LICENSURE /
CERTIFICATIONS
- Ability to obtain and maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
- Ability to obtain and maintain current Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS /
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform the following essential job functions:
Light lifting (<20 lbs.) Standing Sitting Seeing
Moderate lifting (20 – 50 lbs.) Reaching Walking Hearing
Heavy lifting (>50 lbs) Bending Climbing Talking
Driving Repetitive Motion Push/Pulling
Other, specify:
The work environment is primarily representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Potential exposure to waste and bodily fluids
Potential allergenic and/or irritant conditions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.