Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional

Informed by the school's mission, Special Education Paraprofessionals will ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills required for academic progress and achievement, as defined by curricular and instructional objectives and overarching school goals. Special Education Paraprofessionals provide instructional assistance and support for diverse learners under the professional guidance and supervision of the diverse learner teachers and case managers. Special Education Paraprofessionals work with students individually or in small groups providing instructional, assessment, emotional, and behavioral support appropriate to the student's individualized education program and demonstrated needs and may work with students inside and outside of the regular classroom.

Paraprofessionals are responsible to reflect the mission and guiding principles of the school, to help students uphold the rules and standards of the Student Code of Conduct, to build positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and other staff members with transparency and accountability that best ensures student academic and personal achievement.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate and promote equity, a positive school environment and advocacy of students that aligns with the organization's mission and values. Collaborate with colleagues and school leaders to strengthen support structures intended to promote access and equity that meets the needs of all students. Demonstrate respect and regard for students, colleagues, and parents.
• Participate positively and productively in team, department, school, network, and parent meetings. Arrive on-time to assignments. Take initiative to provide needed supports. Attend school and network professional learning and collaboration days to improve skills, give and receive feedback, and be open to coaching, mentoring, partnerships. Promptly return phone calls and answer emails within 24-48 weekday hours. Assist with maintaining student records including using any technology employed by the school. Observe students' performance and development and report observations as requested. Follow school and network policies and protocols.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds. Support the creation of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces for students Implement professional practice and responsibilities, demonstrating cultural competence. Implement D.E.I principles in interactions with members of the school community.
• Provide assistance to teachers to provide services to students with a host of disabilities including, but not limited to learning disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, emotional-behavioral disorders, mental health concerns, and physical disabilities. Provide instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans/accommodations/supports, and ensuring students success in school all under the supervision of assigned teacher. Attend IEP meetings when requested. Use strategies that promote students' independence for learning. Reinforce reading, writing, mathematical ideas and concepts, and other such skills presented by the classroom teacher. Assist in the review and evaluation of students' work, as requested. Contribute to progress monitoring and collect data, as requested by the case manager or teacher. Contribute to the smooth functioning of the classroom environment. Provide assessment assistance to students, individually and in small groups. Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive school environment. Provide assistance to students with orthopedic impairments, coordinating and preparing related equipment and apparatus to support access to the classroom and other critical areas of the school. Implement assessment accommodations, as required by the student's individualized education program.
• Participate positively and productively in department, school, network, and parent meetings. Actively participate in the development and implementation of new paraprofessional techniques and approaches to working with diverse learners. Actively participate in discussions and programs to improve student performance, experience, attendance, conduct.
• Model positive behavior for assigned students (e.g. interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, homework processes, social interaction, etc.) for the purpose of providing educational and life skills training. Intervene to prevent or address disciplinary infractions, as directed by the teacher, case manager, individualized education program, or behavior intervention plan. Collect and report data on behavior, as requested or needed. Implement services under the direction and guidance of the teacher/case manager to promote academic, social, and emotional progress and achievement. Use instructional strategies and techniques to provide instructional assistance and support to individuals and small groups of students inside/outside of the classroom. Assist with organization of materials and instructional space to support students.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma (Required)
• Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)
• Illinois State Board of Education Paraprofessional License or comparable, current out-of-state licensure (Required)
• Bilingual Spanish/English (Strongly Preferred)
• Experience working with students or youth (Strongly Preferred)
• Experience in urban school setting (Strongly Preferred)
• Experience working with students with a host of disabilities (Strongly Preferred)
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing (Required)
• Experience working with educational technology (i.e. laptops, projectors, etc.) (Strongly Preferred)
• Experience working with online platforms (i.e. Google Documents and Forms, email, etc.) (Strongly preferred)
• Fundamental understanding of human development principles as related to children and adolescents (Required)
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creativity with respect to problem solving (Required)
• A strong desire to advocate, support, and encourage students with learning, physical, and emotional challenges (Required)
• A positive attitude (Required)

This position is a Full-Time position.

Physical Job Requirements:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling; some kneeling, crouching, and significant finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 10% walking and 80% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and climate controlled environment.

Join Meridian Charter Schools and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional education and support to all students. This position is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students and their families. You are a dedicated and visionary leader with a passion for inclusive education.

Meridian Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this pivotal leadership role.

Compensation: Meridian Charter Schools provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package which includes health, dental, vision and life insurance as well as retirement planning and PTO. We are also committed to supporting professional growth and membership in local, state and national educational organizations. This position qualifies as a union member position and aligns to the compensation established by the most updated collective bargaining agreement, based upon certification, education, and years of service.