Paraprofessional - Special Education

Paraprofessional Job

Under the direction of the Classroom Teacher, the paraprofessional provides comprehensive direct care and instructional services for students with disabilities and functions as a member of the educational team. Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide instructional services under the direction of certified teacher and therapists, providing 1:1 instruction as well as preparation for classroom sessions
• When there is opportunity for a student to be included in the regular classroom setting, the paraprofessional will act as inclusion support in that setting to provide for consistency and support of student/s
• Liaison with team members involved in the education/treatment of the student
• Comply with all school policies
• Maintain professional documentation including daily notes to families, data collection of students performance on academics tasks, and behavioral logs
• Participate in direct supervision of students and assistance with activities in daily living, including toileting assistance as needed
• Participate in team meetings, classroom meetings and professional development sessions
• Work with teachers and therapists to learn instructional/educational strategies as well as discuss student program and needs
• Utilize time both before and after school to provide for the instructional components of the student's day, as well as meet any classroom needs as determined by the teacher
• Provide services to the student at school and in the home and community settings as required
• Provide support to students in all elective and recreational activities that may include swimming with staff support, yoga, dance, athletics, sports, drama
• Complete any other essential duties that may be assigned

Qualifications

• Ability to effectively communicate student needs and progress towards IEP goals
• Knowledge of relevant instructional strategies
• Knowledge of disabilities related to the specific program need
• Knowledge of sensory and behavioral strategies
• Knowledge of child development theory
• Ability to use computers (word processing software, therapeutic/educational software)
• Knowledge of relevant equipment for instruction
• Knowledge to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of facilities and equipment

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and/or relevant experience and demonstrated expertise in the field
• At least 2 years prior experience in working with students with similar disabilities
• Possession of or willingness to work towards obtaining a specialized certification such as the Behavior Technician (BT) certification

Conditions of Employment

• Fingerprinting and criminal background check

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is typically performed indoors in the school facility and offsite at field trips
• Moderate physical movement is required for the job
• Moderate exposure to physical risk is anticipated
• The noise level in this work environment varies from quiet to very loud
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell and see
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds
• Staff members who works with students with behavioral and social-emotional needs and disabilities may be subjected to student behaviors that include, but are not limited to, hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, hair pulling

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.

The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.