Para I Speech - Woodland

Para I – Speech

POSITION TITLE: Para I – Speech

STATUS: Classified – Nonexempt

STARTING SALARY: $15 hourly

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS)
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Pay dates on the 15th and 30th

POSITION SUMMARY: The job of Para I – Speech was established for the purpose of assisting with the provision of speech and language services to identified students by providing instructional lessons under the direction of the Speech/Language Pathologist either in the special education or general education setting; monitoring student behavior; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and performing clerical tasks as determined by the Speech/Language Pathologist.

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides individual or small group instruction, either in the general or special education classroom under the direction of the Speech/Language Pathologist for the purpose of assisting special education students to develop speech and language, or social skills to appropriately participate in classroom activities.
• Aids students in and out of classroom (e.g. packing backpacks, note taking, relationship building, field trips, social skills, etc.) for the purpose of providing assistance to students' speech-language needs and social growth.
• Occasionally assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations (e.g. restroom, nutritional, etc.) for the purpose of allowing students to function in the school environments.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. CPR, education strategies, specific disability education, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to the job functions to meet established annual State 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 under the direction of certified staff.
• Occasionally implements behavioral plans for students as designed by the IEP team for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students' needs and providing a consistent environment under the direction of certified staff.
• Occasionally assists students with challenging and/or aggressive behaviors.
• Primarily works with and supports students on the Speech/Language Pathologist's caseload but may be asked to assist with other students from time to time.
• Assists students and staff in the use of augmentative and alternate communication devices.
• Implements education and behavioral programming under the supervision of the classroom certified staff for the purpose of developing new speech/language or social skills for students.
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. articulation, phonology, social skills, language 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 information regarding student progress under the direction of certified staff.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the educational team.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Job related experience is desired.
• 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.

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 using district approved crisis intervention techniques. 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: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions could occasionally require some of the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires a combination of sitting, walking and standing.

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