Elementary Special Education Para Educator

The Para Educator position is responsible for ensuring that students work on study habits, classroom behavior skills, and a positive self-image. This position is also responsible for coordinating student receipt and completion/progress of classroom assignments and activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associates Degree or higher preferred.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• TEA Paraprofessional Certificate required (will apply for certificate on employment) & Para-assessment Test/Training OR Minimum 48 college hours OR Associates degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise children.
• Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development.
• Computer proficiency and ability to work effectively in a learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff, and parents in a professional manner.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person learning environments
• Knowledge of school safety & security procedures.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and decision making skills.
• Flexible and can de-escalate potentially controversial situations.
• Can work independently and in a team setting.
• Attention to detail and organized. ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Coordinates, provides, and supervises instructional and behavioral activities for students assigned to ISS (In School Suspension) in-person environment.
• Coordinates assignments and activities with classroom teachers of referred students; provides tutorial assistance as needed and monitors student's class work while in ISS.
• Assists students in examining misbehavior and developing strategies to prevent reoccurrences.
• Works with other school personnel to assist students in the development of techniques to control and express anger constructively, encourage positive student behavior, and promote safety in the school.
• Assigns and oversees additional assignments related to student infractions.
• Communicates proactively with teachers to inform them of student issues and conversations with parents.
• Responds to emails and phone calls from school leaders and teachers in a timely manner.
• Assists during standardized testing to support state and local testing processes and policies.
• Assists with distribution of food, supplies, materials and equipment, including technology.
• When in a school-based learning environment, monitors students' movement throughout the building to other classrooms, learning areas and cafeteria.
• Assists students with classroom and cafeteria clean up and wiping down surfaces to uphold sanitation standards as required for safe school environment.
• Assists administrators and other staff members in the orderly, expedient and safe transition of students from one location to another.
• Engages in professional learning opportunities in-person.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
• Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
• Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.
• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person and various classroom learning environments.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Other SHARS duties as assigned
• Provide Personal Care as identified in applicable student IEPs
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care and feeding of students as stated in the IEP
• Perform Medicaid administrative outreach to ensure parents/caregivers are aware of services, programs and supports available through the Medicaid program.