Media Paraprofessional

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 - Media

Department:             Instruction

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

Wage:                       According to the collective bargaining agreement

Direct Supervisor:     Principal

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for maintaining the library and textbook collection in your building; identifying age-appropriate resources for scholars and teachers utilizing all library resources; selecting appropriate items in support of classroom instruction; and performing functions related to collection, processing, circulation, maintenance, and inventory of library materials and/or textbooks. This position may be requested to work flexible hours set by the building principal to ensure service and support to scholars and staff.

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:

• Process library books, textbooks and related materials (barcoding, shelving, producing required reports, etc.) for providing scholars and staff with required materials
• Assist teachers, scholars and administrators for identifying resource materials for use in the classroom and/or class assignments
• Assist teachers, scholars and administrators for accessing the online databases for research and the Overdrive eBook library
• Performs circulation activities (e.g. item check-in and check-out, prepare circulation reports, run overdue letters, etc.) for library accountability of all items
• Perform media center housekeeping tasks; shelving books in proper location according to the set standard in Grand Rapids Public Schools, keeping materials in order
• Repair books, periodicals, textbooks, and related materials for ensuring the availability of library reference and circulation materials
• Prepare special displays, make attractive library informational bulletin boards and keep the media center a clean and inviting space for staff and scholars
• Assist teachers, parents, and scholars in locating resource materials
• Promote media center to staff and scholars by communicating about new books, book clubs, scheduled book talks, etc.
• Respond to inquiries of scholars and staff (e.g. availability of books, finding appropriate reference documents, status of overdue fines, etc.) for providing information and/or direction as required
• Evaluates books, textbooks, and equipment for retention with collection (e.g. repairing damaged books, recommending retirement of books and textbooks) for ensuring their availability
• Maintains materials inventory (e.g. library books, textbooks, equipment and related instructional materials, etc.) for providing an up-to-date account and ensuring availability
• Evaluates electronic equipment and works with the GRPS Helpdesk to ensure repairs in a timely manner for keeping laptops, iPads, and digital readers, etc. in good operating condition
• Engages in all offered library training for applying what is learned back into your library
• Processes notice of missing, damage, or overdue library books, textbooks and any other materials for providing and/or maintaining access to resources and securing reimbursement for losses
• Work closely with staff and scholars for suggested curriculum aligned titles for the library or digital content
• Run library analysis to evaluate library books in the collection for gaps in genre for creating quality book orders
• Become knowledgeable of special needs scholars
• Interact with co-workers, administration, scholars, parents and community members in a positive, supportive, and cooperative way
• 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 an MDE approved ETS paraprofessional assessment
• Passing of district library assessment test

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working experience with LibraryWorld computer automation program

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working with middle and/or high school age scholars
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, consistently reliable attendance and punctuality, and exceptional organizational abilities
• Ability to interact and work collaboratively with staff, scholars and parents in a tactful and courteous manner
• Capable of maintaining the confidentiality of student information
• Ability to participate as a member of the team
• Basic computer knowledge and proficiency

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.