Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional - District-wide, Position Grade II, 6.5 hrs/day, 187 days/yr. (SE-10-21-13-01)  

Job Title: Special Education Paraprofessional                  

Effective Date: September 1st

Reports to: Building Principal and  Assistant Director of Special Education-Special Education (K-12)

Job Summary:  A special education paraprofessional assists in the instructional and behavioral programs and provides physical assistance, if needed, for students with disabilities. Duties range from instructional to physical activities. The paraprofessional works with individuals and small groups of students receiving special education services under the direction of the teacher(s) in general and special education classroom settings.


Qualifications:

Education: Highly Qualified Status – defined as meeting one of the following: 

  • High school diploma and 48 college credits
  • Associates degree or higher
  • Passed a rigorous assessment based on PDE Competencies for Special Education Paraprofessionals (verification must be provided)

Experience: Computer skills and prior work with children with disabilities preferred.

Skills:

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Good communications skills
  • Good problem solving skills 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

  1. Assists teacher(s) in implementing IEPs (Individual Education Program).
  2. Assists teacher(s) in the implementation of the evaluation of activities, grading papers, and working with various assigned groups.  Assists a classroom professional with testing activities.
  3. Assists with student supervision in the classroom.
  4. Assist with implementing student behavior management programs.  Maintains an awareness of and assists with students’ emotional problems and physical needs as directed by the teacher.
  5. Works directly with students with disabilities either in small groups, one-on-one, or in large groups in the general education classroom, under the direction of the classroom teacher.
  6. Provides personal assistance to students when needed.  For example, tying shoes, dressing, feeding, assist or supervise in the rest room, lifting, dressing, diapering, transfers (from wheel chair to another location).
  7. Attends field trips and other curricular programs (such as swimming) when directed.
  8. Operates AV equipment and other instructional equipment.
  9. Assists teacher in related classroom activities such as ordering/organizing materials and supplies, attendance notices, lunch, etc.
  10. Attends meetings as requested by teacher or principal.
  11. Utilizes special education specific computer hardware/software.
  12. Complete 20 in-service training hours per year (July 1 through June 30)
  13. Performs other duties as assigned and in conformance with overall needs of students’ special education programs.

Ancillary Duties: 

  1. Keep data on students’ academic and/or behavioral performance as directed by the teacher(s).
  2. Complete First Aid/CPR and behavioral intervention training as directed.
  3. Assist with swimming lessons (may require para to get in the water with student).
  4. Attend IEP meetings after the work day, if requested.
  5. Complete PCA (personal car assistance) paperwork for MA eligible students as directed.

Physical Demands:

Note – Assignment would determine which classification applies. 

Sedentary Work – Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg control required exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Medium Work – 2-person lift exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. No more than 35-40 pound of force alone.

Heavy Work – Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up in excess of 50 pounds of force constantly to move objects. This level of work is only done with a lift and with a minimum of 2 persons assisting.

Check the essential physical requirements of the job: 

X            Visual acuity (color, depth perception and field of vision)                                 

X            Seeing                                    X         Hearing                                   X           Talking

X            Climbing                                 X         Balancing                                X           Stooping

X            Kneeling                                 X         Crouching                               X           Reaching

X            Standing                                 X         Walking                                  X           Pushing

X            Pulling                                                Fingering                                X           Grasping

X            Tactile sense                                      Repetitive motions

Lifting:                          50 lbs.              75 lbs.              100 lbs.

Floor to Waist:                 *­­­                       *­­­                        *      ­­­  

Waist to Shoulder                                     ­­­                              ­­­               

Overhead                                                 ­­­                               ­­­  

Carry 20 feet                   *­­­                       *­­­                        *      ­­­  

Note: In an emergency situation, the paraprofessional may need to lift and carry a student from one location to another.

Work Environment: Typical school environment, Subject to inside environmental conditions.

      May be exposed to body fluids if assisting students with personal care.

Temperament:            Must possess excellent interpersonal skills

                                    Must be cooperative, congenial, and service-oriented

                                    Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions

Cognitive Ability:        Ability to follow written and verbal directions

                                    Ability to read, write and perform math

                                    Ability to communicate effectively

                                    Ability to organize tasks

                                    Ability to handle multiple tasks

                                    Ability to exercise good judgment

Specific Skills: Basic computer skills (word processing and email)
 

INTERNAL applicants apply using this form 
 
External/Non-SCESPA member applicants must complete an application or have an application on file, and send an email or letter of interest (including Name, Address, Phone Number, Job Number) to the Human Resources office.