Special Education Paraprofessional, Special Education School

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s Special Education School offers children and youth, ages 5 to 22, who are visually impaired or have moderate-to-severe disabilities a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In the least restrictive environment in our state-certified, non-public school, teachers develop students’ communication, mobility and functional skills to increase their independence.

The primary focus on the Special Education Paraprofessional, is to provide direct care for blind, visually impaired and multi-handicapped children ages 5-21 and support the Special Education Teacher. Job emphasis is centered on helping the students increase daily living skills, socialization, independence and pre-vocational skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Implements IEP (Individualized Education Plan) objectives under the supervision of the teacher, including lesson plans on individualized goals and objectives such as meal plans and pre-vocational skills.
• Supervises students to ensure the health and safety of the students is maintained. Uses observational skills to remain aware of changes in the behavior and physical condition of the students.
• Provides daily living skills instruction including but not limited to, tooth brushing, showering, dressing, bed-making, toileting, toilet training, and eating.
• Completes detailed documentation/record keeping on student’s individual progress, including maintaining logs on student behavior or incidents for communicating with school staff, parents, and residential staff.
• Transports students to and from school, in Wayfinder Family Services vans or taxis and to and from outings.
• Assists in planning, organizing, and instruction of recreational activities (swimming, bowling, gym, dance, etc.) on grounds and in the community.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma, required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with students in special education.
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role :

• Training and professional development

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.