Instructional Paraeducator, Self-Contained

Self-Contained Instructional ParaeducatorPosition may include: Bus Supervision (a.m./p.m.), General Classroom, IEP Support, Library, Locker Room Supervision, Lunch/Recess Supervision, Office Support, PE, Resource RoomGeneral DescriptionParaeducators are integral to the success of students placed in self-contained settings. Self-Contained Instructional Paraeducators support a student's activities of daily living as well as instructional support/supervision. Collaboration and independence are equally important in this setting due to the significance of student need and the type of support needed. Paraeducators in a self-contained setting frequently support occupational and physical therapy goals under the direction of the OT/PT. Likewise, supporting language via assistive technology may be included in a self-contained instructional paraeducator's daily tasks.Duties and ResponsibilitiesAn instructional paraeducator may perform all or some of the responsibilities defined below:Support implementation of teacher designed instructional activities and classroom routinesConduct teacher/therapist-designed instructional experiencesWork with individual and small groups of studentsSupervise, model, and teach expected behaviors across educational settings, including classrooms, lunchroom, playground, hallways, etc.Implement individual and school wide behavior support plans and positive interventionsImplement district-adopted de-escalation and restraint strategiesFoster social and language development through play activities and active engagement with childrenPromote students' best interests through positive role modeling and student advocacyAdminister assessment materials as trained or delegatedAssist in preparation of instructional materials and perform clerical duties associated with general instruction programConsistently and respectfully respond to student needs while maintaining confidentialityMay administer medications pursuant to Board policy and pursuant to state and federal lawAssist with care and hygiene needs, as requiredMonitor highly structured environmentsPerform first aidImplement teacher-directed programs with students on a one-to-one and/or small group basis in special education classroom as well as during general education inclusion time.Lead or support de-escalation/restraint procedures.Assist student(s) with diet, feeding, personal care, hygiene, movement, and mobility needs.Assist with learning tasks/activities appropriate to students with moderate to significant disabilities and aligned to IEP goals, under direction of special education teacher.Potential AdditionsTransport students as necessaryProvide transportation support as necessary. When transportation support is required:Supervise student behavior on the bus to ensure safe travel for all students and passengersAssist students with mobility restrictions on and off the busAssist in loading and unloading of wheelchair bound studentsAssist in properly securing wheelchairsWork together with the driver on issues such as safety and comfort on the bus and working with the driver to ensure students are transported safely and in comfortAssist with management of children with special health problems, e.g. seizuresKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesMust be able to work in a team setting and take directionAbility to balance firm and consistent discipline with positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS)Ability to remain calm in times of high stressAbility to move quickly to meet student needs, maintain safety and respond to crisisAbility to maintain confidentialityAbility to supervise recess/unstructured activities, including ability to respond quickly to an emergency or student needMust possess organizational skills and the ability to work independentlyAbility to build and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and co-workersAbility to learn and apply both positive and corrective behavior management techniquesAbility to use proper grammar, spelling, and language in both oral and written communication, as well as basic math skillsWillingness to be trained in district-approved de-escalation and restraint procedures at the first available opportunityDemonstrate basic computer skills, including the ability to create and modify documents and to adapt to new technologiesAbility to learn and operate a variety of educational/office equipmentMust have access to reliable transportationWillingness/ability to be trained in lifting techniques and fine/gross motor skillsPhysical ability to participate in student restraint and ability to move quickly to evadeMental DemandsRequired to deal with a wide range of student, staff and public behaviors and needs in a positive and service-oriented mannerMay experience shifts in work schedule and/or work site according to district needsMay routinely deal with distraught or difficult students or parentsPhysical DemandsAbility to lift up to 50 poundsAmount of sitting, standing and walking may vary depending on the age of students and classroom assignments. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing.The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: the employee frequently will stand and walk and use hands for repetitive grasping and significant fine finger dexterity. The employee is occasionally required to sit, bend at neck and back, use hands to push/pull and lift/carry; squat, kneel, climb stairs or ladders, reach overhead, lift overhead, and knee stand.Required QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent (documentation required prior to beginning employment)All instructional paraeducators must meet one of the following*:Have a passing score on the state-approved Paraeducator Assessment, ORAttained an AA degree or higher, ORHave earned 72 quarter or 48 semester credits with college-level courses (100 level or higher)* Documentation required at time of applicationExperience working with students in an educational setting and/or evidence of an interest in supporting learning experiences preferredTerms of EmploymentParaeducator Classification on Public School Employees of Cheney Salary ScheduleSchool year position: 180 days; hours per day and days per week vary by position; district may revise assignment and job location as neededClearancesWSP/FBI criminal history background clearanceEvaluationThe employee shall be evaluated per the terms of the Public School Employees (PSE) Collective Bargaining Agreement by the building principal, department director, or designee. The process shall include an evaluation of the employee's performance of the above Duties and Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.Continuing Education/TrainingMust complete school safety training within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date and annually thereafterMust acquire and maintain CPR/First Aid card within sixty (60) calendar days from hire date and as scheduled thereafterMust fully complete the Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study within two years of hireAttend designated trainings as specified by supervisor and/or department director in order to maintain knowledge/skillsHistoryJob description and format updated: April 2021Classification: ParaeducatorLocation: Cheney High SchoolReporting Relationships: Position is supervised and evaluated by the building principal or department director. Position takes direction from classroom teacher and building principal and/or department director.Compensation: Placement on the PSEC Salary Schedule. Position may be entitled to additional funds for provision of special hygiene functions as defined in Section 20.5 of PSEC Collective Bargaining Agreement.Representation: Public School Employees of Cheney (PSEC) a local chapter of Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948Cheney Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex