Spec. Ed Paraprofessional

Position Title: Paraprofessional

Department: Special Education

Reports To: Teacher/Principal/ Special Education Administrator

Position Hours: Full Time (as per contract)

SUMMARY:  To assist teachers with instructional, behavior management and daily living activities based on individual student needs and ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Under supervision and direction of the special education teacher:

• Assist in small group and individual instructional activities.
• Follow teacher direction with regard to assisting/supporting all students in all settings.
• Implement  modifications and accommodations as specified in student’s IEP.
• Utilize prompts and redirection strategies (Sample Strategies: following routines, utilization of picture schedules and maintaining overall consistency in regard to responses/reactions to students).
• Work closely with related service providers and general education teachers regarding instruction, behavior management, discipline issues and communication.
• Provide transitional support to the student(s) throughout the day as needed.
• Assist with completion of data collection and documentation.
• Monitor transitions, organization and behavior charting.
• Assist in incorporating differential reinforcement in appropriate alternative responses into behavior program/plan
• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the area of behavior management.
• Work closely in utilization of strategies to reduce disruptive, destructive behavior.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to decrease behaviors.  At times maybe required to use physical restraints utilizing CPI/HWC or other behavior management guidelines. 
• Incorporate differential reinforcement with appropriate alternative responses into behavior program/plan.
• Assist students with daily living activities including lifting, toileting, feeding and mobility based on student’s needs.
• Assist students who may need hand-over-hand assistance to complete work if required.
• Assist students with social interactions with peers and adults, utilizing any communication device as required by the student.
• Assist with meeting students upon arrival to school and escort/assist students at dismissal which include walking to and from the bus.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow teacher/principal direction in regard to changes in schedule in order to provide appropriate timely support for students assigned to program and/or other classrooms.
• Assist with whole class or small group instructional activities. 
• Photocopy materials Attend trainings as directed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Valid Teacher Assistant certificate with instructional qualifications as required by the Rhode Island Department of Education. 
• Mandatory training in CPR/AED/First Aid, and lifting/behavioral management systems (including physical restraint) is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, stand, walk or run, work at a desk, computer or workstation for extended periods of time; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch, crawl, twist or stoop; use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception; and speak, hear and communicate effectively in English. The employee must be able to reach with hands and arms and display dexterity of hands and fingers.

Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to an environment typical of a one, two or three story educational building. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate, but can be noisy at times. The employee will be exposed to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses, weather conditions, heated, air conditioned and ventilated facilities, and some chemical substances.  

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Paraprofessional contract.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.