ParaEducator: Special Education - Central Special Education

Title Code:

ParaEducator: Special Education

JOB SUMMARY
Assists teachers in caring for the instructional and physical needs of students with disabilities including those with physical cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. Performs instructional tasks as outlined by professional staff based upon student Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) and delivery of the curriculum and alternate curriculum standards recognizing the critical role differentiated instruction and educational environments play in enabling all learners to gain knowledge skills and an enthusiasm for learning. Assists in individual and group activities reinforcing instruction motivating students facilitating classroom management and working closely with teachers and other service providers on behalf of students to support the delivery of specially designed instruction at the Pre-K elementary and/or secondary grade levels. Must be able to perform any and all listed duties independently which may vary based upon assignment. The ParaEducators role is to ultimately assist teachers by performing a variety of tasks that are critical to quality teaching and learning promoting accelerated student achievement and well-being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements instructional plans and activities as designated by the teacher service provider and/or job coach including demonstration of tasks/skills and reinforcement engagement.
• Demonstrates patience while working with students motivating active engagement and encouraging task completion. This includes employing motivational techniques and strategies implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) redirecting monitoring learning behaviors and supporting student independence/resiliency.
• Assists in formulating and conducting classroom activities including carrying out planned instructional activities preparing materials and setting up equipment.
• Assists/guides students as they transition/travel throughout school buildings/community based instruction.
• Under supervision complies with medical protocols; including feeding/swallowing and appropriate response to medically-based (seizures) events and/or health and well-being situations.
• Helps and/or provides instructional guidance on independent manipulation of outdoor attire shoes personal grooming self-help etc.
• Supports instructional programming including access to the States Dynamic Learning Maps (DLMs) in the assessment of student knowledge skills and understandings.
• Adjusts braces walkers and/or wheelchairs as needs assisting non-ambulatory students and/or students with disabilities who are not independent with personal care (bodily functions to include toileting bathroom care and/or diapering).
• Performs a variety of tasks such as collating supporting instructional modifications (alternate education framework/standards) correcting work samples inventorying requisitioning materials maintaining files keeping daily records on attendance and collecting data on student performance and functioning.
• Maintains knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required; and
• Number of College Credit Hours (if applicable) 48 college credit hours in lieu of the ParaPro Assessment required.
• Associates Degree in Special Education or related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university preferred.

Experience

• One (1) year experience working with children in an educational setting required.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to work collaboratively/professionally to support the efforts of teachers/service providers.
• Ability to assist students with disability limitations that include lifting pushing moving wheelchairs feeding and aiding in bodily functions/hygiene as needed.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Job requires direct in-person provision of service therefore punctual regular and predictable attendance is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing Microsoft Office Suite-Word Excel Outlook and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses certifications and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• Upon hire ParaPro Assessment in lieu of 48 college credit hours issued by ETS required.

Driving Requirements

• N/A

CAREER LADDER REQUIREMENTS

Qualification Requirements for Employment in First Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:

• One (1) additional year of successful experience required.
• Successful completion of fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.

Qualification Requirements for Employment in Second Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:

• Two (2) additional years of successful experience required.
• Associates degree in Special Education or related field of education OR Successful completion of additional fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.

Eligibility for Consideration for Advancement requires:

• One (1) year continuous successful experience in the position at the Lower Grade level.
• Two (2) years continuous successful experience in the position at the First Higher Grade level.
• Mastery of all responsibilities and assignments of the position.
• Achievement of Professional Certification License or evidence of course completion in pursuit of such certification or license if applicable.
• Evidence of completion of additional training that may be recommended by supervisor and/or participation in approved professional development programs or courses approved in advance by the supervisor. Successful completion of a minimum of one professional development within the last two years is required. Successful completion of job specific professional developments identified on the job description performance evaluations and/or the supervisors documented recommendation are required.
• Achievement of identified goals as they relate to the needs of the district and as established by the supervisor.
• Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook; demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service; regular and punctual attendance; and building dress code including wearing AACPS ID badge.
• Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as standards contained in the AACPS Employee and building dress code including wearing AACPS ID badge.
• Above Satisfactory overall job performance for the two most recent consecutive years of Probationary and Performance Ratings. Probationary Ratings completed after January 2 2024 will be accepted.
• Letter of Recommendation written by the Principal.

Additional Requirements for Advancement from Lower Grade to First Higher Grade requires:

• Successful completion of fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.

Additional Requirements for Advancement from First Higher Grade to Second Higher Grade requires:

• Associates degree in Special Education or related field of education OR Successful completion of additional fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Standing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Walking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Sitting: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Using hands to handle or feel: over 2/3 percent of the time
• Pinching (fine motor skills): under 1/3 percent of the time
• Wrist deviation: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Keyboarding: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Pushing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Pulling: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Reaching (with hands and/or arms): over 2/3 percent of the time
• Balancing: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Stooping: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Kneeling: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Crouching: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Bending: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Twisting: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Squatting: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Tasting: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Smelling: over 2/3 percent of the time
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination:
• Driving:
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment
Location

• Office school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 percent of the time
• Outdoor environment: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Street environment (near moving traffic): under 1/3 percent of the time

Exposure

• Wet or humid conditions (non-weather related): under 1/3 percent of the time
• Outdoor weather conditions: under 1/3 percent of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: over 2/3 percent of the time

Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements

• Up to 80 pounds: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time

Travel Requirements

• N/A

JOB INFORMATION

ORGANIZATION

HR JOB INFORMATION