26-27 Special Education SHIP Paraprofessional

Position Summary

This SHIP program is a vital special education program supporting students in grades 9-12 with complicated or significant learning differences and/or complex medical and health needs that prevent them from following the standard high school curriculum and require tailored and intensive instruction in daily living communication and social skills. The students may have a variety of disabilities including but not limited to complex medical care needs severe developmental delays severe cognitive impairments and multiple disabilities.

The program focuses on essential life skills including communication mobility and independent daily living. Teachers use entry points designed by the state to deliver standards-based learning tailored to individual student needs. Students have access to related services in accordance with their IEPs. The program utilizes a total communication approach with a strong emphasis on the use of communication aids to enhance language acquisition e.g. AAC communication boards and visual schedules. Inclusion opportunities are available during specialist classes.

Because participating students may have complex medical needs the program has dedicated nursing services available (e.g. SHIP Program Nurse) to handle both simple and complex healthcare requirements during the school day. Students in these programs at SHS can stay until they are 22 years old as their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) require extended services.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assist with instruction as directed by the teacher
• Develop an understanding of the curriculum
• Support the overall management of the classroom and student behavior
• Provide small group and/or individual instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher
• Provide assistance and supervision of students during cafeteria time recess and if needed toileting
• Assist the classroom teacher with the development of curriculum materials
• Help to create and maintain a safe learning environment
• Support students emotional regulation
• Collect academic and/or behavioral data as directed
• Develop and maintain positive respectful and appropriate relationships with students
• Engage positively respectfully and professionally with colleagues
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and success
• Positively contribute to a classroom and school community that affirms the identities of all students and staff
• Use practices and approaches that value student diversity
• Protect student confidentiality
• Engage in meaningful professional development opportunities and apply the learning from those experiences
• Understand and utilize appropriate technology
• Complete required paperwork and duties as assigned
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by anemployeeto successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the positions essential functions.

• Standingand walking for prolonged periods; frequent bending kneeling stooping reaching which may include sitting on the floor to effectively engage with students;
• The use of hands and fingers to operate computers instructional technology and classroom materials.
• Sufficient visual auditory and verbal ability to supervise students deliver instruction and evaluate student performance.
• Ability to lift carry and move instructional materials and supplies weighing up to 15 pounds. The position further requires the ability to respond appropriately and promptly to emergency situations to ensure the health and safety of students.

Reporting Relationships

• School Building Principal and Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment

• Position Type:
• Employment Status:Full Time
• Schedule: 208 days - Scheduled School Year
• FLSA Classification:Non Exempt
• Salary shall be commensurate with education and experience in accordance with the Somerville Educators Unioncollective bargaining agreement.

209-day work year

Scheduled School Year:184 days

Additional work days:25 daysoutside of the regular school year which would include SPED Summer School Programs.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs facilities or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race color age religion disability pregnancy home status marital/civil union status sex/gender gender identity sexual orientation citizenship status place of birth national origin ancestry cultural identity genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority