2026-2027 Special Education Paraprofessional

POSITION PURPOSE: Under direct supervision of the assigned teacher assists in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities. Assists in the implementation of classroom programs including self-help behavior management and instruction. Works with the certified teacher(s) to implement student IEPs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists teacher(s) in preparation of student work workstations and classroom displays.
• Assists in maintaining a classroom environment favorable to learning and relevant to the physical social and emotional development of students.
• Assumes responsibility for learning adapting and working through teacher direction regarding each students special medical physical communicative and emotional needs.
• Assists teacher(s) and/or other school personnel in implementing the students IEP goals and objectives modifications and adaptations of curriculum.
• Establishes as fully as possible a supportive relationship with the student(s) without intense emotional involvement; encourages student performance and interacts with each appropriately.
• Assists with the supervision of students during student free time including lunch playground activities and bus duty.
• Assists with managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention including restraining disruptive or dangerous physical behavior as needed.
• Assists students according to their individualized needs including transferring to/from wheelchairs lifting positioning personal hygiene feeding and providing escort and/or other ancillary support as necessary.
• Assists the teacher in developing implementing and monitoring strategies for reinforcing behavior or academic skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students needs interests and abilities.
• Maintains data collection documentation related to student academic/ social/behavior progress as appropriate.
• Adjusts on-the-spot instruction without immediate teacher directions when necessary and provides daily communication and feedback to teacher(s) on student progress; alerts teacher to special needs of individual students.
• Provides orientation and assistance to substitute teachers assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Assists teacher(s) in preparing and maintaining required reports records and/or other documentation.
• Assists in inventory care and maintenance of equipment.
• Participates in staff development training programs faculty meetings and special events as directed or assigned.
• Maintains high level of ethical behavior and strict confidentiality of student information; upholds and enforces school rules administrative regulations and adheres to local state and federal laws policies and guidelines as directed.
• Participate in district-sponsored paraprofessional training opportunities school programs in-services and staff meetings as required by the School Administrator or direct supervisor; required training may include such skills as CPR first aid feeding lifting techniques Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention SAFETY CARE (for students with Autism) disability-specific trainings Applied Behavior Analysis and/or assistive technology (Total work week not to exceed 40 hours).

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal Superintendent or other district office administrator as designated by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS: Instructional Assistants must meet No Child Left Behind and District compliance for Paraprofessional Highly Qualified status:

• Associates degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; OR
• 60 college credit hours from an accredited college or university; OR
• Satisfactory score on Educational Testing Service ParaPro Assessment.

EXPERIENCE: To perform this job successfully an individual should have knowledge of basic computer operations and functions use of the Internet and Microsoft Office applications and skill in the use of general office equipment such as calculators typewriters copier etc. Other equipment includes wheelchair lifts ramps Hoyer lift Gait trainer and/or other assistive equipment or technology.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of children with disabilities
• Abilityto maintain emotional control under stress
• Willingness to follow directions
• Ability to assess and resolve unforeseen situations in accordance with district policy or guidelines
• Abilityto accept individual differences among children.
• Self-starter self-directed able to work effectively both independently and in a team setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical demands while performing the duties of this job include climbing bending stooping kneeling crouching reaching with hands/arms standing actively for extended periods of time walking using hands and fingers to key data handle feel or operate objects tools or controls; talking and hearing; reaching pushing and pulling with hands/arms; close and distant vision ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move 25 lbs. Environmental factors: Assist in toileting including diapering; feeding or oral facilitation; assist with personal hygiene for some students; venting gastrointestinal tube suctioning (training provided); lifting and positioning disabled students.

Unless reasonable accommodations can be made while performing this job the staff member shall:

1. Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
2. Sit stand and walk for required periods of time.
3. Speak and hear.
4. Use close vision color vision peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
5. Communicate effectively in English using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
6. Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools technology equipment computers and/or controls.

WORK PLACE EXPECTATIONS:

1. Work effectively with and respond to diverse cultures or backgrounds.
2. Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior speech and dress in a neat clean and professional manner for the assignment and work setting.
3. Have regular and punctual attendance.
4. Follow all District policies work procedures and reasonable requests by the proper authorities.

REPORTS TO: Principal

DAYS PER YEAR: 182

SALARY CLASSIFICATION:Paid on the Classified Salary Schedule Level 105

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Classified

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Must apply online by completing an Classified application and adding this specific job to your online application.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYEES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT:

1. I have reviewed the above position description and understand its contents.

2. I am aware that my position description may be revised or updated at any time and once notified of changes I remain responsible for knowledge of its contents.

3. I hereby certify that I possess the physical and mental ability to fulfill the essential functions of the above position with or without reasonable accommodation(s). If I require accommodation(s) in order to fulfill any or all of these functions I agree to provide information to the District regarding the requested accommodation(s).

Employees Name (Print):

Employees Signature:

Date:

THE BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER