Paraprofessional (Life Skills 6-8)

Primary Purpose:
Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
High School diploma or equivalent
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to work with children with disabilities
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to communicate effectively
Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:
Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays
Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom
Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports
Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers
Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed
Recognize differences in each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly
Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor-skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher
Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students
Maintain confidentiality
Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned