Instructional Paraprofessional - Bilingual (Spanish/English)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

Paraprofessional – Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Department:             Instruction

Bargaining Unit:       Grand Rapids Public Schools Paraprofessional    Association (GRPSPA)

Wage:                       According to the collective bargaining agreement

Direct Supervisor:    Principal

JOB SUMMARY

The Classroom Paraprofessional is responsible for working as a team member in providing a quality educational program for assigned scholars by providing language support for identified Primary Home Language Other Than English (PHLOTE) scholars in both English and Spanish. Also, he/she is responsible for certain non-instructional and concept/skill reinforcement tasks and providing scholars the opportunity for additional adult/scholar relationships.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for actively participating in building activities, meetings, parent conferences, staffing, training, IEP, when appropriate, as determined by the building administration or the assigned certified teacher.
• Present lessons to individual scholars or small groups, assisting in all introductions of information and concepts, selection and preparation of materials, establishment of reward systems, as determined by the certified teacher.
• Assist in translation so that critical communication between school and Spanish-speaking parents is accomplished.
• Responsible for informing the certified teachers of any specific needs or concerns regarding the scholars.
• Responsible for carrying through on suggestions, as directed by the teachers.
• Read to children in English and Spanish.
• Develop plays in Spanish for children to perform.
• Assist in preparing displays of scholar work.
• Interact with co-workers, administration, scholars, parents and the community in positive, supportive and cooperative ways.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

• Must have:
  • completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 Credits); OR
  • obtained an associate's or higher degree, OR
  • achieved a passing score on a MDE approved ETS paraprofessional assessment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to deal with scholars, parents, staff and community in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Experience working with children at the elementary level.
• Strong written communication skills (both written and verbal), and exceptional organizational abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to information security protocols.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Ability to participate as a member of the team.
• Ability and willingness to participate in training for physical management of scholars.
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stands and/or walks during most of the working day. Turns, stoops, climbs, bends, pushes, pulls, reaches for and carries materials and equipment in the performance of tasks. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods (up to the entire eight-hour shift) in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of scholars.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing in the English language, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.