ParaEducator

Description

PURPOSE/FUNCTION OF PROGRAM:

The Charles F. Hayden School is committed to serving children through a psycho-educational, clinically informed therapeutic milieu. Collaborative educational planning and placement teams including families and district personnel design Individualized Educational Programs (IEP) for every student.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Paraeducator provides direct care, behavior management, and supports educational and clinical services for the clients in the Charles F. Hayden School. The Para transitions the shelter children at 3pm from the Charles F. Hayden School to the shelters and assist with the after school routine. During school vacations/holidays and other school closings or delays (except for when school staff development is scheduled) the paraeducator has the opportunity to work in the shelter if needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides required assistance and supports to facilitate client’s behavior, emotional, educational, and social development and learning in accordance with an individualized service/treatment plan in a structured, intensive therapeutic milieu setting by working collaboratively with other members of the team
• Participate in the planning and implementation of programming specifically designed to encourage development growth for a wide range of ages
• Participate in weekly therapeutic groups as a co-facilitator, under guidance of clinical staff
• Supports classroom activities and lessons with the educational staff
• Provides crisis intervention utilizing Cornell Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques
• Maintains appropriate ratios and motivation as indicated on point sheets
• Provide a safe, orderly and nurturing living experience for children in care
• Ensure that goals/objectives of each client’s service/treatment plan are implemented as part of the daily activities
• Documentation of each client’s response to care and clinical interventions
• Immediate notification to Shift Leads, Coordinator, or Manager regarding crisis situations, including elopements, major aggressions and sexual acting out.
• When scheduled in the shelter, you are expected to work in inclement weather and may be mandated to stay beyond the end of the shift if coverage is required.
• Be familiar with and implement all program policies and procedures
• Complete Incident Reports as needed
• Completes documentation in accordance with state, federal, and Boys & Girls Village policies
• When 1:1 with a child must remain within arm’s length of the client until relieved by other staff
• Attends supervision and staff meetings weekly
• Discuss observations of client behaviors with Shift Lead Daily, Coordinator or Manager as requested
• Create and maintain a clean work environment
• Adhere to the staffing schedule with the understanding that shift assignments are determined by program needs
• Carries out all additional assignments as directed

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• 3 years’ experience working with children in a milieu based program.
• Previous experience working with children in a recreational, educational, residential or day program
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Specialized license (Endorsement A) to drive students in agency vehicles
• CPR, First Aid Certified
• TCI and Boys & Girls Village Model Certified

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bilingual (Spanish)
• Knowledge of cultural diversity and childhood development.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must pass physical examination
• Must be in sufficient physical condition in order to engage in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
• Lifting over forty-five pounds
• Moving furniture when necessary

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT: 

• Flexible work schedule
• Be willing to drive off campus and transport children