Para Educator I

Special Education Para-Educator I

Under the general direction of the site administration and a certificated staff member, the Special Education Para-Educator I will perform a variety of duties in support of instructional activities for students with disabilities who are enrolled in mild/moderate programs and/or general education classrooms, including individual and small group instruction. The Special Education Para-Educator I will assist with classroom management, perform a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities for instructional personnel, and perform other related work activities as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist instructional personnel with the presentation of learning materials and instruction related functions.
• Under the supervision of a certificated special education teacher or specialist, assist in planning and conducting lessons and other classroom, small group, or one-to-one activities.
• Monitor and assist students with special learning needs in drill, practice, and study activities as a follow-up to the presentation of instructional lessons by instructional personnel.
• Direct students into safe learning activities and functions, and assist in shaping of appropriate social behaviors.
• Assist in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniques.
• Confer with the special education teacher, School Psychologist, or specialist about necessary accommodations and/or modifications needed by individual students in the special and/or general education classroom.
• Monitor classroom activities when the teacher is briefly absent from the room.
• Accompany students going from one location to another.
• Assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids.
• Maintain a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and information.
• Operate and assist students in the operation of a variety of instructional media.
• Monitor and assist in the remediation of specific learning problems.
• Assist with yard supervision.
• Assist students with activities to develop small muscle and eye-hand coordination.
• Help students with projects and work experience activities.
• Request appropriate assistance for serious pupil injury or illness.
• Maintain or assist in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.
• Assist children with special physical needs.
• Assist in the development of communication skills, using manual communication, with children who experience language and hearing disorders.
• Under the supervision of certificated staff, assist in the implementation of the students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Supervise students and assist in maintaining order on the yard, playground, lunch area, and during other school activities such as field trips.
• May assist with medical emergencies, perform first aid, and administer medication under the supervision of the District Nurse and following appropriate training.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Attend meetings and trainings required by the district.
• Perform other related duties in order to accomplish the objectives of the position as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Skills: The position requires knowledge of child development; basic understanding of curriculum and instructional materials used in each of the basic subjects and at various grade levels; basic understanding of special education program and its purpose; knowledge of subjects taught in the District schools, including mathematics, grammar, spelling, language and reading; strong communication skills in both formal and informal settings; good record-keeping, clerical and computer skills; ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups; ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children and adults; ability to plan learning activities and deliver instruction under the guidance of appropriate certificated staff; ability to provide curriculum modifications and accommodations as requested for individual students.

Abilities: Requires the ability to follow oral and written directions, and the ability to communicate with students and staff, using patience and courtesy, and in a manner that reflects positively on the District. Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Education and Experience: High School diploma or GED. AA/AS degree or higher, or CBEST, or 48+ semester college units, or Paraprofessional Certification. Licenses and Certificates: Compliance with District skill/competency requirements. Must be willing to obtain nonviolent crisis prevention training and maintain current certification.

Salary and Terms of Service: Salary range (17) $18.68 - $22.97 per hour, eight (8) steps, 6 hours per day and five (5) days per week (M-F). Holidays, sick leave and vacation benefits. Prepaid family dental, medical, and vision insurance, prepaid life insurance plan for employee only, prorated according to number of hours worked.

Required Application Procedure: Apply Online. An online application and all documents supporting the application requirements noted above must accompany your application by the closing date in order to receive consideration for this position. It shall be the applicant's responsibility to supply copies of all documentation, letters of recommendation etc. or other related materials.

Selection Procedure: A screening committee will evaluate each application, personal resume, and other letters of reference. Interviews will be scheduled for qualified applicants. If after interviews suitable applicants are not found, the search will continue. As required by California State Law, should you be employed by the District, your fingerprints will be taken and submitted to the Justice Department and the FBI for a background check. Processing fee will be at applicant's expense.