Special Education Instructional Assistant/ Paraprofessional
Primary Function
Under the direction of the classroom teacher and school administration, assist in providing instructional, behavioral, physical, and emotional support to students receiving special education services in order to help each student achieve their maximum academic, social, behavioral, and functional potential.
Work closely with one or more students with disabilities on a regular basis to provide the support necessary for meaningful participation in the school division’s special education program and educational environment.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must obtain or possess Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certification through the ETS ParaPro Assessment
(ETS ParaPro Assessment).
- Must complete Autism Spectrum Disorder training through the
VCU Autism Center for Education Paraprofessional Training.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Demonstrated physical and emotional ability to perform required duties.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Demonstrated interest and ability in working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
Required certifications and training must be completed within 90 days of employment as a condition of continued employment.
Reports To
Principal and/or Special Education Teacher
Performance Responsibilities
- Adhere to assigned work schedules and attendance requirements.
- Follow assignments, responsibilities, and directions provided by the teacher and/or principal.
- Comply with all School Board policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations related to special education services and classroom operations.
- Assist the teacher in implementing daily instructional activities and long-range educational plans.
- Utilize planning and preparation time effectively.
- Prepare and organize instructional and classroom materials as directed.
- Support students’ individual academic, behavioral, communication, social, and functional needs.
- Assist with behavior management and implementation of behavior intervention strategies as directed by instructional staff.
- Support classroom routines and assume appropriate classroom responsibilities as assigned by the teacher.
- Demonstrate the physical, emotional, and mental capacity necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
- Assist assigned student(s) with personal care and daily living tasks, which may include:
- toileting and hygiene assistance,
- changing clothing,
- feeding,
- lifting and transferring,
- mobility support, and
- other related physical assistance.
- Assist in meeting students’ health, medical, and safety needs as trained and directed.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and records.
- Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the principal and/or special education teacher.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands and arms for handling, reaching, lifting, and assisting students. Duties may require significant walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and assisting with physical interventions necessary to maintain a safe educational environment.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Terms of Employment
185-Day Contract
7 hours per day
Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations governing support personnel evaluation.