For over 50 years, Kohler Academy, A Bancroft School has excelled at providing a high quality education and excellent therapeutic services to exceptional students with very special needs in a safe and nurturing environment. The Kohler Academy team, our students and their families make up our community of learners whose priority and focus is helping each student reach their full potential as they ultimately transition to life beyond high school.

We are looking for Instructional Paraprofessionals to join our dynamic team, to work alongside the special education teacher in the management and organization of a classroom. They will provide positive guidance for students, attending to their physical needs as well as academics and emotional wellbeing. They will also provide much-needed support during instruction time. We are looking for dynamic individuals who enjoy interacting with students with disabilities and supporting therapists and educators.

Position Summary :
Provides assistance and support to the Teacher in the planning and implementation of classroom instruction to specifically meet the educational needs of the assigned student. Provides encouragement and support to the student to contribute to the best possible educational experience.

Essential Responsibilities :
1. Under the direction of Teacher(s) and following regulations defined by the N.J. Department of Education (DOE) and Core Curriculum Content Standards, N.J. Department of Vocational Education, established procedureswithin the Schools and applicable state/local/federal regulations, assists in the planning and implementation ofclassroom instruction within an assigned area of functional, developmental, vocational, and/or transitional curriculum in elementary or secondary education in accordance with the Individual Education Plan (IEP):

• Provides assistance to Teacher in planning classroom curriculum and implements plans to meet the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the assigned student;
  Provides assistance to Teacher for the assessment of an assigned students abilities and capabilities;aids in the development and implementation of lesson plans and activities that are individual-specific, meet the learning needs of each student, encourage increased skills, and address specific IEP goals;
• Assists Teacher in establishing and maintaining a classroom environment conducive to maximum academic
  and social learning by maintaining order and guiding each student to socially appropriate behavior;
• Assists Teacher in the proper utilization of classroom equipment and materials. Makes
  recommendations to Teacher regarding the purchase and usage of new supplies and curriculum
  materials;
• Under direction of Teacher, observes and tracks student behavior, gathers behavioral data, performs
  calculations, and creates graphic illustrations for review by Teachers, clinical-specific staff, etc, to identify and monitor student proficiency and performance levels, to support modifications to current educational program;
• Provides ongoing assistance to Teacher in the management of individual behavior of students to create and maintain a safe and secure classroom environment. Reports any safety hazards, property damage, etc. to Teacher
• Works with Teacher in the utilization of instructional resources and teaching strategies; willingly shares ideas and instructional resources with other classroom staff.
• Works directly with the assigned student(s) in accordance with levels of supervision, the IEP, and the established behavior plan:
• Works with the assigned student(s) and tutors the student in social, vocational, and educational skills necessary for development;
• Instructs, prompts, and/or assists each person in the achievement of educational goals while actively encouraging the independence of each person within his/her ability limit while following the IEP and individual behavior plan
• Accompanies assigned student(s), provides guidance, and participates in school-related activities; e.g., class trips, extracurricular activities, meals, etc. Provides assistance to Teacher in the planning and oversight of recreational activities and educational trips for students;
• May transport student(s) from classroom to classroom and vice versa with proper medical equipment;
• Serves as an advocate for each assigned student and provides assistance in the event of
  behavioral and/or academic problems to contribute to a timely resolution;
• In addition to the above described responsibilities, where applicable, provide one hour of personal assistance/instruction to a student prior to the start of, and in preparation for, the School day and classroom environment; e.g., works directly with the assigned student regarding daily living activities, interpersonal relationships, personal hygiene, transportation to School, as it relates to the educational program and in accordance with goals and objectives in the students IEP
• In support of Teacher, completes various paperwork; e.g., incident reports, student progress reports, behavioral rewards, etc., utilizing a system of documentation that is professional, efficient, accountable, and conforms to federal, state and School policies and procedures
• Substitute for teacher role when needed with the required substitute teacher certification.
• Builds relationships and maintains open, effective, and consistent communications with Teachers, clinical-specific staff members, students, parents/guardians, and other family members to encourage active family participation in the students ongoing education and promote a sense of trust and confidence in the educational program
• Discusses problems and progress of assigned student(s) and assists in the development of a program to stimulate students academic, functional, vocational, and emotional growth.
  6. Maintains awareness of current and changing trends in special education and strives to improve teaching techniques by attending learning workshops, reading journals and educational literature, attending in-service training, etc.
• Provides crisis intervention, as needed, through de-escalation techniques, staff support, and
  assistance. Follows state-approved emergency procedures and utilizes Bancroft-approved crisis
  intervention techniques at all times.
• Promptly responds to emergency situations to ensure the safety and security of the site and students at all times; e.g., participates in fire drills, emergency evacuations, etc. Notifies proper authority in the event of a valid emergency.
• Serves as a role model to persons served by projecting a positive self-image of professionalism, appearance, confidentiality, courtesy, conduct, honesty, fairness, personal integrity, and a respect for the fundamental rights, dignity, and privacy of others.
• Performs related educational and student care activities (performs diaper changes, properly positions students in and out of chairs, lifts students for changing and repositioning) as needed. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by educational program needs.
• Performs related educational related activities for the benefit of students, as needed. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by educational program needs.
• Abides by the Bancroft Code of Ethics, Mission Statement, and Vision Statement in promoting ethical behavior, establishing relationships and providing guidance in decision-making situations.
• Remains current with required training certifications, meets state-regulated licensing and regulatory accreditations, and adheres to mandatory requirements.
• Maintains effective verbal and written communications with colleagues, those served, and their family members and/or guardians when applicable.
• Willingly and effectively cooperates with Bancroft, and other licensing or state agencies or local municipalities in any inspections and investigations, upon request.
• Maintains a safe and respectful environment, free of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; does not allow weapons, threats, bullying or intimidation.
• Reports any violations to the appropriate individual as soon as the incident occurs.
• Maintains levels of supervision as defined in behavior plans; Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Demonstrates Bancrofts core values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment, Safety) in the performance of position responsibilities.

Education;Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years of direct experience working in an educational environment, or, 30 college credits with six months of related work experience, or, a Bachelors degree in a related field are required. Prior experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.

Special Skills : Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written form required. Familiarity with teaching methods and educational programs designed for students with learning, physical, and behavioral disabilities. Effective teaching and facilitation skills required. Basic math skills required. Effective interpersonal skills, a strong desire to work with developmentally-disabled individuals required, and the ability to implement crisis intervention techniques required. Operative knowledge of MS Office Word and Excel spreadsheets preferred. Attainment of Pool Safety Training, First Aid, CPR and Safe and Positive Approaches within the first 90 days of employment required. Valid drivers license required in incumbents legal name and current address with no provisional restrictions. As well as one year minimum of driving experience with the required license. Minimum 18 years of age required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. ADAPTING TO CHANGE - Demonstrates willingness and an ability to adjust to change. This change may involve new ways of doing things, working with different types of people, performing unfamiliar tasks, or adjusting one's schedule in order to accommodate changes.

2. COACHING - Explains new information or skills to another individual for the purpose of improving that persons performance. Patiently works with the individual to ensure that he/she understands and is competent at the skill or competency area.

3. COMMUNICATION - Presents ideas in an easy to understand manner with an engaging and captivating style. Effectively communicates complex ideas or thoughts in an easy to understand manner. Uses appropriate grammar, including vocabulary and sentence structure. Expresses information and ideas, orally and in writing, in a manner that is clear, concise, and easy to comprehend. Uses proper spelling, grammar, and sentence
structure.

4. FLEXIBILITY/MANAGING STRESS Demonstrates willingness and the ability to adjust to working with different types of people, stressful, or demanding situations, or adjusting ones schedule in order to accommodate changes. Maintains a realistic interpretation of what constitutes a stressful situation. Functions effectively even when faced with stress and/or stressful situations. Effectively manages and controls stress-related responses in order to perform a job effectively and successfully.

5. INITIATIVE - Is proactive rather than reactive both in thought and action. Identifies areas for improvement and takes necessary steps to implement those changes. Is a self-starter rather than waiting for direction from others.

6. INTEGRITY - Acts in an honest and trustworthy manner based on personal responsibility and sound business ethics. Shows consistency among principles, values, and behaviors.

7. LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL - Demonstrates an ability to motivate and lead others toward achieving a common goal. Uses effective interpersonal and influence skills to help others to see things in new ways and work together to accomplish objectives. Supports the company's vision, even when not in total agreement with it.

8. POSITIVE ATTITUDE - Views the world in a positive, optimistic manner. Does not always assume that there are hidden agendas behind every act. Maintains a positive demeanor and effective work behavior, even in the face of challenges or obstacles.

9. PROBLEM SOLVING - Is able to effectively resolve problems that involve people, things, and processes that require general logic and common sense. This may include gathering relevant information, considering alternatives, and drawing logical conclusions based on facts.

10. SAFETY - Is aware of factors that affect employee safety and uses good judgment in all work situations that could potentially affect anyones safety. Takes action to correct safety hazards and anticipates and addresses potentially unsafe situations.

11. SEEING THE BIG PICTURE - Is able to step back from detailed data analysis to understand how the analysis and/or implications of the analysis fit into a larger picture. Identifies and understands connections, interrelationships and cause-effect relationships among different pieces of data while not becoming too deeply mired in the details.

12 . WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH OTHERS/SENSITIVITY TO DIVERSITY - Works effectively with others on a team or in a work group to accomplish goals. Effectively handles conflicts with other team members. Is sensitive to the needs, strengths, weaknesses, and differences of individuals. Respects individual/cultural/gender differences and adapts style or approach in order to mutually benefit the relationship. Views and responds to feedback as a learning process as opposed to an affront on ones self-esteem or personal competence. Encourages and supports the ideas and effort of other team members. Finds or creates ways to help the team perform more effectively.

Bancroft stands strong against racism and hate of all kinds and supports actions leading to respect, equality, fairness and peace. We advocate for and embrace an inclusive and just world. One world. For everyone. We work with heart, respect and collaboration. We are communicators, listeners, problem solvers, partners and collaborators. Bring your authentic self to our team.

Bancroft is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring and employment practices, so that every team member can feel a true sense of belonging, and maximize their unique potential. To this end, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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