Paraprofessional - Instructional & Literacy

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 - Instructional & Literacy 

Department:             Instruction     

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

Wage:                       According to the collective bargaining agreement (starting rate is fixed and non-negotiable)

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 additional time for the teacher to plan. The Classroom Paraprofessional is also 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. This includes work outdoors, all year round (all seasons).
• Assist with loading and unloading of buses and recess duty, when neces­sary.
• Responsible for informing the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding the scholars.
• Responsible for carrying through on suggestions, as directed by the teacher.
• When needed, assist with medical and grooming needs of scholars.
• Assist in preparing displays of scholar work.
• Secure, set up and operate materials and equipment.
• Assist teacher in maintaining a positive classroom climate.
• Interact with co-workers, administration, scholars, parents & the commu­nity in positive, supportive, and cooperative ways.
• Work outside each day for extended periods of time.
• 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, consistently reliable attendance and punctuality, and exceptional organizational abilities.
• Ability to work with computers.
• 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.

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus. Must be able to work in all outdoor environments, hot, cold, snow, rain. Must be able to withstand exposure to all types of weather.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually 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, 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.