Paraprofessional (West Middle School)

FORT ZUMWALT SCHOOL DISTRICT SS611 

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JOB TITLE: Special Education Paraprofessional

REPORTS TO: Building Principal 

FLSA: Non-Exempt 

Note:  Critical features of this job are described under the headings below.  They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY 

Special Education Paraprofessionals equip students with disabilities to excel in their educational journey by providing support to help them achieve individually identified goals. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

A minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent is required. Experience working with children is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates who have a minimum of sixty (60) college hours and are able to obtain a substitute teacher certification and be competent in the duties to be performed. Experience working with students with disabilities, behavioral needs, or in educational settings is strongly preferred. Candidates must demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and a commitment to supporting diverse learners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Assist the special education teacher or general education teacher with the instruction of special education students in the classroom. 
2. Meets the needs of all students with disabilities on their campus under the direction of the school administration and special education teams.
3. Monitors and assists students in multiple classroom environments to complete tasks, stay focused and provides accommodations per the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
4. Assist with the physical care of special education students as needed (i.e., diaper changing, taking to the bathroom, and feeding).
5. Assists in teaching and modeling positive behaviors. 
6. Assists students in daily living skills such as feeding, toileting, and mobility.
7. Provides support in monitoring, intervening, and redirecting student behaviors. Acts to prevent and de-escalate student behavior.
8. Monitor the classroom when the classroom teacher is unavailable due to other responsibilities. (Only paraprofessionals with a sub-certification or teaching certification are eligible to work in this capacity.)
9. Assists student(s) with utilization of assistive technology.
10. Assists in data collection related to IEP goals
11. Leads individual and small group activities with students under teacher direction.
12. Facilitates communication between general education and special education teachers.
13. Escorts students to and from classes, activities, and transportation buses as needed.
14. Maintains documentation and records for student files; maintains and updates computer files.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Assist in the lunchroom as assigned. 
2. Assist at recess as assigned.
3. Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal. 
4. Possess the ability to effectively communicate, verbally, and in written form, with administrators, staff, and the community as needed. 

MENTAL DEMANDS 

Ability to maintain highly confidential information; communicate clearly both orally and in writing, and/or ability to reason and make appropriate decisions in high-stress situations. 

PHYSICAL  DEMANDS 

An individual who holds this position must have the ability to concentrate in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously. This employee should have good vision and hearing capabilities.

This employee will frequently lift over 20 lbs and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 100 lbs. The employee will reach, stand, walk, climb, sit, grasp, and use repetitive movements in this role. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Employment will be on an at-will basis for 9 months, beginning with the first day of the work calendar or at the time of employment, for the duration of the school year, with prorated personal leave. Each paraprofessional will be provided a work calendar showing the specific daily work schedule of the employee. The work calendar may be modified by the Board of Education at any time, as needs dictate. 

Seven hours (including a 30-minute non-paid lunch period) will constitute a workday for special education paraprofessionals. A definite daily schedule will be established by the building principal and approved by the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel. 

The yearly salary will be disbursed in nineteen (19) equal payments or twenty-four (24) equal payments per employee’s choice. 

EVALUATION

End of the year performance evaluations will then continue annually in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of support staff personnel. 

Approved: August 21, 1989 Revised: August 15, 1994, June 19, 2000, May 15, 2006, November 16, 2009, September 16, 2013, May 22, 2017, June 29, 2020, January 15, 2026