Paraprofessional (Special Eduation)

SUMMARY
The paraprofessional assists in the delivery o special education and/or related services under the supervision of a teacher and/or other professional who has the responsibility for the delivery of the services to exceptional children. This position involves the performance of instructional and non-instructional tasks.

CERTIFICATION

Applied Behavior Analyst (Preferred)

Certified Nursing Assistant (Preferred)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with individual or small groups of students to reinforce skills/concepts.
• Provides assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assists with specific tasks as required by student needs (e..g., Braille, signing, crisis intervention,
  augmentative communication devices, etc).
• Assists with materials to help meet individual differences.
• Assists with organizing and arranging instructional activities.
• Follows all regulations and policies of the school and school board.
• Attend faculty meetings and parent conferences when requested.
• Provides assistance in meeting the physical needs of the disabled students, e.g., catheterization, etc.
  after proper training is provided.
• Provides assistance with physical restraints and behavior intervention techniques after training such as crisis intervention.
• Attends and participates in pre-service and in-service workshops and training as requested
• Assists with meals and snacks.
• Help students to office, first aid room, rest room, recess etc.
• Maintains discipline standards according to the regulations of the school system and the assigned
  Assists with specific tasks as required by IEP (e.g., diapering, feeding, toileting, wheelchair assistance, etc).
• Performs other related duties as assigned by classroom teacher and/or site administrator(s).

TRANSPORTATION (ON THE BUS)

• Attends to the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of the special education students.
• Assists the bus drier in loading and unloading special education students.
• Assists the bus driver in maintaining an orderly and calm atmosphere.
• Supervisory Responsibilities Not Applicable Essential Functions and Qualifications.

"The essential functions of the Paraprofessional – Special Education position includes both the physical and mental demands outlined in this job description, as well as regular and reliable attendance due to the limited staffing available. It is also critical that the Paraprofessional can follow directives from supervisors to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the department."

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Must meet definition of highly qualified status as outlined by Louisiana Department of Education by earning 48 college credit hours that includes 15 hours of general education requirements such as English Composition (3), English/Reading (6) and Mathematics (6), obtaining an Associate's Degree from an accredited university or college or by passing the Paraprofessional Exam with a score of 450 or above
Paraprofessional – Special Education

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Able to read, analyze and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and the school board.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Must be physically capable of implementing health maintenance services for the medically fragile, chronically ill, and/or terminally ill special education student(s). The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach, bend and sometimes lift up to 20 pounds or more with assistance. Must have the ability to be mobile in the schools and community environment at all times in order to monitor 100% of the time in close proximity if needed. Must be able to position oneself on the floor to execute activities and task as needed by the student as well as to diaper, clothe and assist children on and off the toilet. Must be able to perform non-complex health procedures after training. Mobility skills are necessary to access a variety of work locations.

MENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The Paraprofessional – Special Education must possess sufficient interpersonal skills to function compatibly with others. The Paraprofessional – Special Education must respond positively to supervision and to accept suggestions for improvement.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Professional Conduct
Employee acknowledges that he/she is required to maintain a high standard of professional conduct. Breach of said professional conduct includes but is not limited to: neglect of duty, dishonesty, engagement in acts that are contrary to City of Baker School System policy, unlawful activities, or any other conduct which is seriously prejudicial to the school system.

Classification under Fair Labor Standards Act(s) (FLSA)
The City of Baker School System in compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act(s) considers this position NON –EXEMPT from any and all overtime payments.

TECHNOLOGICAL ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the widespread use of a computer, the use of email as a form of communication, and other job-specific equipment, software, and/or applications.

BOARD POLICY: F – PERSONNEL and G - INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM govern the structure of job descriptions.