Job Title:                    SPECIAL NEEDS PARAPROFESSIONAL

Reports To:                Administrator and Supervising Special Education Teacher

Evaluated By:             Administrator and Supervising Special Education Teacher

JOB GOAL:   Under the supervision of a licensed special education teacher and administrator, the Special Needs Paraprofessional performs a variety of tasks: assisting the teacher in the development of an instructional program by working with students individually or in small/large groups; preparing instructional materials; assisting in implementation of classroom discipline; and conducting planned activities using teacher- designated methods and materials. In addition, given appropriate training, the Special Needs Paraprofessional may also be asked to perform medical support activities as documented in specific health protocols and/or provided behavior support to students with disruptive/aggressive behaviors. Some positions may require aptitude and skill in working with the particular disabilities or learning needs of students. Special Need Paraprofessional provide support services to special needs student(s) in general education classrooms, Learning Resource Centers, Structured Learning Programs, Basic Skills Classes, and one-to-one learning environments.  

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:  To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to execute each requirement satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for the position.

1. High School Diploma or equivalent;
2. Must meet District Requirements of being "Highly Qualified," (AA degree or 2 years of college, or pass the district test for academic knowledge and pedagogy); 
3. 18 years of age or older;
4. Ability to work harmoniously with others and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with students and staff;  
5. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;           
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality of students and their records;
7. Ability to supervise individual or groups of students in an instructional setting without constant teacher oversight; work in a team situation;
8. Ability to deliver instructional programs to students who have learning and physical  disabilities and/or social behavior problems;
9. Ability to work effectively in an environment which can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing; perform physically demanding requirements of the job;          
10. Possess knowledge of English usage, mathematics, and a basic understanding of the subjects in which this position is to provide assistance;
11. Ability to demonstrate standards of moral character and behavior to serve as an effective role model for students;
12. Demonstrate a positive attitude in working with children with special needs;
13. Ability to type accurately; operate standard office equipment such as computer, copier, and word processor; and operate audio-visual equipment;
14. Understand basic provisions of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
15. Understand basic elements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP);
16. Ability to direct and respond appropriately to students;
17. Ability to maintain student records, special education records, and accounting records;
18. Ability to develop contacts in the business community to promote the district's transitional services;
19. Ability to be self-directed to organize, plan and initiate community contacts and program;
20. Ability to work with students who may exhibit aggressive behavior, as required of specific job assignment;
21. Ability to work with students who require attention to basic feeding and personal hygiene, as required by specific job assignment;
22. Ability to support students with medical or health needs;
23. Ability to perform physical activities which may include: moving and/or lifting of students with physical disabilities; moving, lifting, and/or physically restraining of students with emotional and/or behavioral disabilities;
24. Ability to perform physical activities which may include frequent standing, walking, bending, and/or lifting;
25. Ability to assist students with personal hygiene tasks, assist students with injury and/or  illness that could result and possible exposure to bodily fluids;
26. Such alternatives to the above requirements as the School Board or Administration may deem appropriate and acceptable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  include the following.  Other duties may also be assigned.

1. Assist teachers in the planning and implementation of learning experiences of students enrolled in programs; confer with teacher to provide feedback on student performance, progress, and testing activities; 
2. Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities;
3. Assist in monitoring classroom management in accordance with the district's discipline procedures, which may include the physical restraint, physical movement, lifting and carrying of students;
4. Supervise students in and outside of the classroom with an understanding of and provision for a safe environment;
5. Perform various clerical functions in student record keeping, monitor assignments, maintain accurate files, and other related functions; 
6. Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, and play periods;
7. Assist with large group activities as drill work, reading aloud, and story-telling;
8. Read to students, listen to students read, and participate in other forms of oral communication with students; 
9. Check notebooks, corrects papers, and supervises testing and make up work as assigned by the teacher; 
10. Handle discipline problems in accordance with the district's discipline procedures;
11. Alert the teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student;
12. Serve as a source of information and support to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher;
13. Assist with record keeping to monitor students' daily and monthly data on instructional and behavioral progress;
14. Assist classroom teacher in diagnostic testing and reporting;
15. Provide remedial instruction as requested;
16. Prepare and teach a unit of instruction under the supervision of a teacher;
17. Perform clerical duties such as typing, computer entry, duplicating and record keeping;
18. Provide supervision of student in buildings or other school areas and school related activities (i.e., hall duty, at assemblies, in lunch and playground areas, or with school buses as required);
19. Assist the classroom teacher in maintaining class and student records;
20. Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and staff;
21. Act as a friendly ambassador for the School District #30;
22. Perform such other tasks (which may require knowledge of other job descriptions) as may seem to be appropriate to the Board or Administration;
23. Participate in in-service programs as assigned;
24. Maintains satisfactory attendance, as defined in District policy and regulations;
25. Provide job coaching and on-site support to individual students as needed;
26. Monitor work sites and evaluate student performance;
27. Communicate on a regular basis with community employers or work-site supervisors regarding student performance;
28. Support and, as appropriate, participate in classroom-based instruction regarding safety, work related skills, problem solving/conflict resolution, effective communication and social skills;
29. Assist special education teaching staff with implementing individualized education plan (IEP).  Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary team as requested and attend
30. IEP meetings as a member of the team when required
31. Assist special education teaching staff responsible for preparation, implementation, and evaluation of individual and group behavioral programs;
32. Assist special education teaching staff in communicating with teachers and parents on student's progress;
33. Assist special education teaching staff responsible for writing, reviewing, updating, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs; 
34. Assist students who may exhibit aggressive behavior, which may include physical restraint, as required by specific job assignment;
35. Assist with physical management of student, including lifting, moving, and positioning of disabled students, as required by specific job assignment; and
36. Assist students with medical issues by completing medical and/or health procedures, as required by specific job assignment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, BONDING, AND/OR TESTING REQUIRED: 

1. Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance. (May be completed at District Office - $30.00)
2. Blood borne Pathogens Training/Hepatitis B Shot Series/Training as designated by the District.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Days and hours to be arranged, with wage according to current schedule.

EVALUATION:  Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of classified personnel.