TITLE: Paraprofessional/Special Education Associate
DEPARTMENT: Special Education
REPORTS TO: Building Principal and/or Assistant Principal
RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Director of Special Programs and Classroom Teacher
BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for taking direction from special education and classroom teachers working directly to support the student(s) to which they are assigned, and performing all other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

1. High school diploma or equivalent 
2. Knowledge and skills commensurate with assigned position
3. Good communication and problem solving skills
4. Ability to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

Desired:

1. Paraprofessional Certification
2. Previous experience in similar position
3. Experience working with children/students
4. Experience working with students who have behavioral, emotional, learning, and/or physical disabilities.

SKILLS AND JOB FUNCTIONS (For all Winterset CSD Positions)
Demonstrated Experience or is Willing to Acquire the Following Skills:

1. Exhibits essential dispositions and ownership of the district mission: “We will empower a community of lifelong learners who strive for personal excellence through meaningful relationships and real world, authentic learning experiences.”
2. Exhibits essential dispositions and ownership of the districts core values;
   1. Excellence - high expectations for all in everything we do
   2. Innovation - in our approach to problem solving and learning
   3. Pride - in self, others, school, and community
   4. Relationships - amongst all stakeholders as foundational to our success.
   5. Sense of Belonging - where all students, staff, and community members feel valued and connected. 
3. Exhibits essential dispositions necessary to build positive working relationships with administration, colleagues, parents, students and the Winterset community.
   1. Ability to Affirm and Encourage Others
   2. Ability to Grow Groups
   3. Self-Control
   4. Social Skills
   5. Self-motivated
   6. Optimistic
   7. Ability to Demonstrate Genuine Caring
4. Exhibits effective communication skills
5. Demonstrates the ability to be self-directed and problem solve
6. Demonstrates enthusiasm towards learning and continuous growth as an educator and individual.
7. Demonstrates a positive attitude towards others.
8. Demonstrates self-efficacy in that their actions empower others to be successful.
9. Demonstrates confidentiality as needed and required.
10. Seeks out opportunities to improve professional competence through professional development.
11. Identifies individually and collaboratively areas for growth and seeks out opportunities to grow in these areas.
12. Complies with all Winterset Community School District Board Policies, Handbook Policies, and Contractual  Responsibilities.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

1. Interacts positively with staff and students
2. Develops and maintains a professional rapport with classroom teachers and other staff.
3. Displays a positive attitude.
4. Participates effectively as a contributing member of teams.
5. Responds appropriately to, and acts on, constructive feedback.

PERFORMANCE SKILLS:

1. Demonstrates initiative
2. Accepts and follows teacher direction, seeking clarification as needed.
3. Demonstrates proficiency in academic/behavioral/physical skills and provides academic/behavioral/physical support to students.
4. Produces quality work.
5. Completes assigned tasks efficiently.  
6. Provides assigned instructional, behavioral, and/or physical support.
7. Provides effective supervision and maintains a controlled and safe environment.
8. Performs duties, as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Adheres to classroom, school, and district policy and procedures. 
2. Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
3. Redirects behavior, assesses student needs, and provides supports as needed. 
4. Focuses on assigned tasks while on duty. 
5. Maintains confidentiality and communicates student needs/concerns with supervising teacher only.
6. Maintains appropriate appearance and attire for the classroom environment. 
7. Performs other duties as assigned by supervising teacher or building principal. 

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be established in accordance with provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement.

Physical Requirements: Bending, carrying, climbing, travel between job sites, lifting, pushing-pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, and walking

Working Conditions: Includes extremes of temperature and humidity.  Hazards include stairs and communicable diseases.

The statement contained herein describes the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.

Any employee not covered by a negotiated contract agreement is an “at-will” employee.  Either the school district or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause, so long as there is no violation of applicable federal or state law.  The school district can define the number of days notice required of a terminating employee.

Notice of Nondiscrimination:
It is the policy of the Winterset Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district's Equity Coordinator, 303 Wambold Drive, Winterset Iowa, (515) 462-2718.

A signed copy of this job description will be placed in the employee’s personnel file.


Signature of Supervisor____________________________________Date____________



Signature of Employee_____________________________________Date____________