Nurse Para-Educator, Special Education

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

Under the supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students including management of student behavior; hygiene and self-help, recordkeeping, instructional assistance; classroom safety, security and organization; and interaction and communication with students, staff and administration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:

• Observes and supervises classroom activities during the course of the instruction day to maintain a controlled and safe environment;
• Assists the teacher in the physical setup and cleanup of the classroom for group instruction, projects and activities;
• After initial instruction by teacher, provides one-on-one and group instruction;
• Monitors students during bathroom breaks, lunch time, recess and field trips;
• Assists students with self-help (including toileting and/or feeding), gross motor and social skills in all classroom settings;
• Assists students to and from buses and/or parent pick-up and drop-off;
• Communicates rules, expectations and consequences to the students;
• Assists and reinforces classroom and individual behavior plans as directed by teacher;
• Collects data on student progress as defined by teacher;
• Provides struggling learners with prompts and cues related to teacher instruction;
• Assists the teacher in maintaining accurate records and reports including attendance records, daily charts of student progress, lunch count, emergency information, student files/records,, and other various related forms;
• Provides coverage for teaching staff as needed;
• Maintains awareness of fire safety procedures, earthquake preparation and all other emergency contingency plans;
• Attends training regarding safety/security and behavior management as requested;
• Provides academic and behavioral support for students with IEP’s in the general and special education settings;
• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans as directed;
• Models appropriate behavior for students;
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Read and understand instructions, teaching materials and/or guides;
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with diverse populations;
• Successfully supervise students;
• Follow instructions with a minimum of direction;
• Follow and give clear directions;
• Work independently and make decisions within the framework of established guidelines;
• Willing to work without immediate supervision in direct one-on-one and small group instruction;
• Work in a team environment;
• Carry out behavior management plans and conduct academic progress monitoring and testing;
• Adapt to individual needs of teachers and students and work with interruptions;
• Respond quickly in emergency situations;
• Understand and maintain confidentiality of student information;
• Perform general clerical duties including record keeping and filing;
• Accept, understand and relate to students who have behavioral, emotional, learning or physical disabilities;
• Willingness to be trained and updated in first aid and CPR, safety/security, visual supports, behavior management procedures and other evidenced-based practices;
• Ability to assist students in use of computers in the classroom;
• Ability to use standard office and classroom equipment.
• Be physically able to perform duties specific to the job assignment with or without accommodations.
• Flexibility and communication skills.
• Familiarity with pediatric equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required: high school diploma or general education development diploma (GED) and
• Associate’s (or higher) degree preferred
• LPN or RN required
• Preferred pediatric experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

Duties performed typically at the school level and/or and throughout the division. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 40 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds may be required. Other limited physical activities are required. Travel to schools throughout the division and central office is required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Regular contact with staff members, administrators, and parents is required. Contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary. Timely and regular attendance is an expectation of performance for all CCPS employees. To ensure adequate staffing, positive employee morale, and to meet expected productivity standards throughout the organization, employees will be held accountable for adhering to their workplace schedule.

EVALUATION

The supervisor will evaluate performance on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.