Special Education Para Professional (Westminster)

Job Description

Job Description

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

Position Summary

The Special Education Paraprofessional  (Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS)) implements methods and interventions from the student Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help the student achieve the goals of the IEP, develop positive coping strategies, initiate teacher-driven replacement behaviors for the student, and help in the support of all students and adults within the learning environment.  This role is critical to the success of our students and a positive learning environment.

Essential Functions 

• Provide instructional and behavioral support to special education students and school personnel in a school setting.
• Implements methods and interventions from the student's IEP to help the student achieve the goals of the IEP, develop positive coping strategies, initiate teacher-driven replacement behaviors for the student, and help in the support of all students and adults within the learning environment.
• Provide safety, security, supervision, and academic support to the student and assigned classroom, supervise students in the hallways, during lunch, recess, and special classes throughout the school day.
• Keeps each student or his/her individual student within eyesight and/or under direct supervision always.
• Provide support and assistance to students with personal hygiene needs, including toileting, in a respectful and compassionate manner, ensuring their dignity and comfort are maintained at all times.
• Conduct the organizational task, daily routines for instructional practices, supervision of school-aged children, and other appointed tasks in the best interest of the students and school.
• If a student is a danger to self or other, staff may need to assist in the safe physical management of the student in crisis as a last resort.  All TSS will be provided with detailed training through Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) on how to implement these procedures to ensure care, welfare and safety for all.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• TSS will be provided on-the-job training and specialized training on CPI and CPR.
• Ongoing skills training will be provided throughout the school year, as determined by leadership.
• Each year the worker is required to have ongoing training to keep their skills up to date, as determined appropriate by the Austin Centers
• Patience, care, understanding and passion for students with special needs.

Education/Certification/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED, required
• No prior experience required, all training will be provided
• Prior experience working with children, preferred
• All staff members are trained in:
• Austin Centers Student and Safety Techniques,
• non-violent crisis intervention,
• classroom management,
• positive behavioral supports,
• instructional practices,
• CPR
• First Aid
• Other training as deemed appropriate for the given student population assigned.
• TSS will be trained in the ability to de-escalate students and situations to provide replacement strategies/skills to ensure the safety of all students and staff members so that the student will only need the use of a therapeutic hold as the last resort.
• TSS are required to have a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card as a requirement to work with children in the State of Arizona.

Physical Requirements

• TSS must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds from the standing position
• Walk, talk, sit, stand, walk up and down stairs, crouch, kneel, and crawl
• On occasion do other activities as determined by students' needs.

Additional Criteria

• All TSS are subject to pre-employment and random drug screenings
• Successful completion of a background check and ongoing OIG monitoring
• Prequalification screenings as determined by  Austin Centers

Pay: Starting at $22.50/hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

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Pay Range

$22.50—$24.50 USD

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!