Para Interrelated Resource

Paraeducator - Special Education

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraeducator - Special Education is done for the purpose/s of assisting in the instruction, supervision, and care of students with a variety of needs in the regular or self-contained classroom; observing and documenting student progress and/or behavior; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending student meetings and job-related trainings.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials, as assigned, for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities.
• Administers standards of behavior and discipline for the purpose of ensuring the safety and well being of students.
• Administers first aid and prescription medications to students for the purpose of providing emergency or necessary care in accordance with district, state and federal requirements.
• Assists students requiring daily care (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, tube feeding, administering medications, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care and/or developing student's daily living activities and behavioral skills.
• Confers with teachers/specialists and participates in team meetings for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Implements academic instruction and behavioral plans, as assigned, for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs and providing a consistent and safe environment.
• Maintains student files/records as appropriate for the purpose of documenting activities and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors individual students and/or groups of students in a variety of activities and/or school environments (e.g. classroom, library, playground, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safety and welfare of students.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information, developing knowledge required to perform job functions and meet district objectives.
• Performs record keeping and clerical functions for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or providing necessary records/materials.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the building.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices and administering first aid.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate pronunciation and auditory discrimination for speech language assignments and age appropriate activities.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: maintaining a work schedule requiring continuous physical activity; communicating with persons of varied backgrounds; maintaining confidentiality; working with frequent interruptions; adhering to district policies; and regular attendance except when taking approved leave.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to effect the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 35% walking, and 35% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience      Job related experience is desired.

Education        High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency    Paraeducators working in a Title I building (or district wide), REQUIRE a minimum of 48 college credit hours, OR the successful completion of a state approved Paraeducator Assessment.

FLSA Status                                   Approval Date                         Salary Range

Non Exempt                                                                                       06