Paraprofessional

Job Summary:

• A paraprofessional is a school employee who works under the direction of a certificated staff member to support and assist in providing instructional programs and services to children with disabilities or eligible young children. The support and assistance may include one-on-one or group review of material taught by certificated staff, classroom management and implementation of positive behavior support plans. Services may be provided in a special education class, regular education class or other instructional setting as provided in the student’s IEP.

Specific Job Functions:

• Work directly with students for individual needs
• Understand the specifics of students IEP’s for any which services may be provided
• Collaborate with the professional staff and parents to ensure student needs are met
• Understands the specifics of student’s positive behavior support plan for any students which services are provided

Essential Functions:

• 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;
• Provide assistance to / accompany and support assigned student(s) or small groups of students as directed by a certified teacher or administrator;
• Assist assigned student(s) in accessing the curriculum and school activities successfully and independently;
• Communicate special information and health concerns to certified teacher(s), administrator(s) and/or health staff as appropriate;
• Encourage appropriate peer socialization in classroom and social settings as directed by certified teacher or administrator;
• Produce and maintain records as required;
• Serve as a positive role model for students in all aspects of performance, demonstrating pride
• in the honorable profession of public education;
• Assist in arrival and departure of students, if assigned;
• Assist teachers in modifying and adapting assignments in order for the assigned student(s) to participate in the curriculum and/or activities;
• Participate in meetings, workshops and conferences as required;
• Support public education and student achievement;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written expression skills;
• Effective colleague, parent and student communication skills;
• Punctuation, spelling, and grammar; Basic arithmetical concepts;
• Problem-solving skills and technology proficiency;
• Must be cooperative, congenial and service oriented;
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills;
• Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions;
• Ability to develop positive relations with stakeholders;
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions;
• Ability to communicate effectively;
• Ability to organize and handle multiple tasks;
• Ability to exercise good judgment;
• Must appropriately handle confidential information.

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 be able to exert sufficient pounds of force to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects;
• This type of work involves sitting and standing throughout the day, but may involve running or walking for brief periods;
• Ability to reach above and below the waist;
• Some stooping, kneeling, bending and twisting of the body is necessary throughout the day;
• Ability to provide safe physical management (restrain) of students when necessary.

Education and Experience:

• Paraprofessionals must meet Pennsylvania’s regulatory requirements contained in 22 Pa. Code §14.105 which include the following:
• Have completed at least two years of postsecondary study, or
• Possess an associate degree or higher, or
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a State or local assessment; and
• Instructional paraprofessionals, each school year, shall provide evidence of 20 hours of staff development activities related to their assignment;
• Must possess experience and knowledge of students with special needs;
• Must possess or become certified in and maintain CPR and First Aid certification;
• Must possess or become certified in and maintain QBS (Quality Behavioral Solution) certification.

Additional Requirements:

• Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to pupils with special learning needs;
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and techniques relating to pupils experiencing atypical control problems;
• Must demonstrate extreme flexibility, provide excellent communication, and follow directives issued by supervisors.

Pay: $20.67 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21