Therapeutic Program Para - Heatherstone

Therapeutic Program Para (TPP)

The job of Therapeutic Program Para (TPP) was established for the purpose of assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of students with severe social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities in site based emotional disturbance classrooms and/or special day school settings. This position assists in implementing individualized educational plans, implementing behavioral intervention plans, monitoring student behavior, data collection and reporting, providing information to appropriate school personnel, and performing classroom clerical tasks.

Primary duties/responsibilities include:

• Adapts and provides accommodations of classroom activities; assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for special education students to actively participate in the general curriculum.
• Aids students in and out of classroom (e.g. packing backpacks, note taking, relationship building, field trips, social skills, etc.) for the purpose of addressing student needs, including social, emotional and behavioral growth.
• Occasionally assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical and/or mental health conditions, and/or physical limitations (e.g. changing clothing, toileting, lifting of students and/or equipment etc.) for the purpose of allowing students to function in the school environment.
• Attends meetings and professional development (e.g. SCM, behavioral de-escalation and management, trauma-informed strategies, CPR, instructional and educational strategies, specific disability education, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and effectively implementing skills relative to the job functions and meeting established annual State training requirements.
• Collaborates with staff for the purpose of providing necessary support and information related to the student's progress as established in their Individual Education Program and Behavior Intervention Plan under the direction of certified staff.
• Frequently implements behavioral plans for students as designed by the IEP team for the purpose of assisting in meeting student needs and providing a safe, predictable, and consistent environment under the direction of certified staff.
• Frequently assists students with challenging and/or aggressive behaviors.
• Implements education and behavioral programming under the supervision of the classroom certified staff for the purpose of developing new skills for students.
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of meeting Individual Educational Program goals under the direction of certified staff.
• Maintains instructional materials and data sheets for the purpose of ensuring availability of instructional materials and/or providing reliable data regarding student progress under the direction of certified staff.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments and/or community environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, fire drills, assemblies, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive environment conducive to learning. Middle school level paraeducators may be required to assist students in the swimming pool.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the educational team.

Education and experience requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• If the school building is classified as Title I, 48 hours of college credit or the ability to pass the Title I assessment test is required.
• Job related experience is desired.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and appropriate use of district approved crisis intervention procedures. Knowledge is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include; instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/behavior; and safe handling of blood-borne pathogens and crisis de-escalation techniques. Ability is required to schedule activities, collect data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions. Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized practices; providing student, classroom and building information to certified/classified staff when necessary. Physical requirements frequently require running, walking, sitting, standing, lifting 80 lbs. floor to waist, carrying up to 55 lbs., pushing and/or pulling; climbing and balancing, reaching forward and overhead, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Must pass a post offer employment test (fit for duty).

Important employment statements:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The District reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time. The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity in its programs, activities or employment as required by applicable federal and state laws. Clearances required: Background Clearance, TB Test, POET Physical Abilities Screening.