Paraprofessional-Special Education

Open- #2526-22 (dual-merged, continuous)

*** All new hires are being offered advanced step salary placement to Step D: $21.19/hour ***

An examination will be given to establish an eligibility list for the position of Paraprofessional-Special Education in order to fill existing and future vacancies. These positions are part-time, 6.0 hours per day, August through June, working with children who have learning, physical and emotional disabilities. Responsibilities may involve assistance with personal care and lifting.

All testing will take place at La Mesa – Spring Valley School District's Education Service Center, 4750 Date Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (Phone: 619-668-5700) unless notified otherwise. Test starts promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will not be admitted. Candidates will be required to present valid photo identification prior to sign-in.

This recruitment has been approved for continuous examination; future test dates will be announced as needed, and future eligibility lists will be merged with this one, until notified otherwise. Applications must be received by filing deadline to be considered for the next test date.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A completed application for employment must be received in Human Resources by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Please note: If having issues with Internet Explorer, try Firefox. Faxed materials are not acceptable.

Minimum Qualifications:
•Experience working with children in an organized setting
AND
•Possess an Associate's Degree or higher (submit copy of degree with application).
OR
•Completed 48 units of college work (submit transcripts with application).
OR
•Successful completion of the Every Student Succeeds Act (formerly known as NCLB) Exam given by La Mesa – Spring Valley School District (submit copy of certificate with application).
AND
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency.

ESSA COMPLIANCE- The Paraprofessional-Special Education classification requires that all incumbents meet the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements. This can be accomplished by one of the following: a) 2 years of completed study at an institution of higher learning (48 units or more with transcripts submitted with application), b) an Associate's Degree or higher (copy of degree submitted with application), OR c) by passing the District ESSA exam.

Please email classifiedrecruiter@lmsvsd.net if you are interested in taking the ESSA.

Merit exam is for those who have submitted a classified application, meet minimum qualifications, and have satisfied the ESSA requirements above.

*Written Merit Exam (s): TBA (By invitation only)

Examinations will be given by appointment only. Following the conclusion of the examination process, the candidates will be ranked and notified of their scores. 

All examinations will take place at La Mesa – Spring Valley School District's Education Service Center, 4750 Date Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (Phone: 619-668-5700) unless notified otherwise. Exam starts promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will not be admitted. Candidates will be required to present valid photo identification prior to sign-in.

The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Board Policy 4030 prohibits unlawful discrimination and/or harassment of district employees and job applicants based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital or parental status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Board Policy 4119.11 prohibits sexual harassment of district employees and job applicants. Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment may be filed with the Coordinator for Nondiscrimination in Employment, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Under the direction of the Principal, assists a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students with special needs in a classroom or other learning environment; assists in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs); performs a variety of routine classroom clerical support duties; assists students with performing and developing proper social behavior, independent living, personal hygiene and self-help skills; monitors student behavior during classroom and non-classroom time.

Administers various tests as directed; scores a variety of tests and record results.
Assists in shaping appropriate student behavior through positive reinforcement and other strategies; redirects inappropriate student behavior according to established District policies, techniques and procedures.
Assists in the collection of data, monitoring and charting of student behavior.
Assists students with performing and developing proper social behavior, personal hygiene and daily self-help skills; assists students with eating activities, mobility assistance and use of adaptive equipment; toilet students, change diapers and soiled clothing as assigned by the position.
Assists with arrangement and storage of classroom materials, furniture and accessories for appropriate learning environment.
Assists with reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students with special learning needs in a classroom or other learning environment; monitors and oversees student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects.
Assists with the implementation of lesson plans, Individual Education Plans (IEP); assists in the presentation and preparation of learning materials, lesson plans, instructional exercises; assists students in reaching IEP academic, emotional, social, physical and behavioral goals and objectives.
Assures the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintains learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner, administers basic first aid and when necessary.
Communicate with District personnel to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.
Escorts students to and from designated locations as directed; pushes students in wheelchairs.
Observes and controls behavior of students in the classroom and variety of school environments according to approved procedures; monitors and interacts with students during outdoor, field trips, and other school activities as directed.
Operates a variety of office and classroom equipment including a copier, computer and assigned software; assists students in the operation of a variety of instructional aids, computer assisted instructional programs and other adaptive equipment, assistive devices or mobility related equipment.
Performs a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; maintains a variety of logs and files, including attendance, student records, charts and other related information.
Provides classroom support by setting up work areas, bulletin boards, displays; distributes and collects paper, supplies and materials.
Provides routine first aid to ill or injured students according to established procedures as needed; responds to medical emergencies and prepare related paperwork as appropriate; refers students to the health office as needed.
Tutors individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitors and oversees student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; assists students with math, reading, writing, letter recognition and word pronunciation; assists students in the operation of a variety of instructional technology.

OTHER DUTIES:
Attends and participates in meetings, in-service training, workshops and conferences.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from secondary school or equivalent GED and some experience working with students in an educational or organized learning environment. Incumbents must meet requirements specified under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Special Qualifications include:
•Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education OR
•Obtained an associate's or higher degree (college level) OR
•Met (pass) a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics.
AND
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Basic concepts of child growth and development and behavior characteristics.
Child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs.
Basic subjects taught in local schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
Instructional and behavioral support programs.
Basic instructional methods and technique.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Problems and concerns of students with special education needs.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Basic record-keeping techniques.
First aid and CPR techniques.
Student behavior management strategies and techniques.

ABILITY TO:
Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students as directed by the teacher.
Assist students with completing exercises, drills and assignments.
Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of IEPs.
Perform a variety of clerical duties including typing, filing and duplicating materials.
Assist students with self-help, personal hygiene and social skills as assigned.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward assigned students.
Read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities as assigned.
Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer.
Observe health and safety regulations.Administer first aid/CPR as necessary.
Prepare and maintain accurate records and confidentiality of student information.