Lower FAST 1:1 Paraprofessional

Pentucket Regional School District

1.0 Paraprofessional

Job Description

Job Overview:

Paraprofessionals are critical members of the teaching, learning and support staff from Pre-K to Grade 12 and Postgraduate students. Primarily, paraprofessionals are part of the student services staff, working with students with disabilities to support their needs through general education and modified learning experiences. Paraprofessionals work under the guidance of special education teachers, service providers, and classroom teachers. Paraprofessionals report to building administration. 

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prior experience with working with children in a school or similar setting preferred.
• Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others; ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect of the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
• Computer Literate.
• Ability to learn and use assistive technology.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools may find appropriate and acceptable
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (C.O.R.I.) and fingerprint check.

Position Responsibilities

Paraprofessionals are expected to perform the following duties:

• Under supervision of a certified teacher, and in accordance with students’ IEPs, prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
• Assist the teacher in implementing special strategies and interventions developed by the teacher for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with the respect due to them as individual members of the community.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, colleagues, and other related matters.
• Assist in the teaching process and work directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics, social skills, self-care (ADL’s), and vocational tasks.
• Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
• Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
• Use Online Platforms through Google Classroom, and other adopted digital tools, to support student learning.
• Through consultation with Special Education Staff, familiarize yourself with the responsibility for implementation of students’ IEPs, district policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a resource person about the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
• Assist in behavioral interventions/able to achieve CPI certification (full restraint training provided).
• Assist in implementing treatment plans, safety plans, and behavior plans, etc. for various students in order to create a successful learning experience.
• Data collection as instructed.
• Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, SLP, School Psychologist, Social Worker, OT, etc.).
• Be able to apply ABA Strategies as directed and needed (training provided).
• Execute discrete trials, de-escalation techniques, and positive behavioral interventions as needed (training provided).
• Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
• Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).

Paraprofessionals work with individuals and small groups of students to:

• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with self-help and independence skills.
• Implement remedial and review exercises and practice and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
• Aid independent study, enrichment, or remedial work as provided by the teacher,
• Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist in test taking, use of instructional technology, and reading to students.
• Observe and make notes of the observation on performance and behaviors.
• Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.

Paraprofessionals are expected to assist teachers with non-instructional duties, such as:

• Escorting and supervising movement of students throughout the school.
• Proctoring testing and providing make up work assistance.
• Toileting, including diaper changing.

Paraprofessionals are expected to assist in the administrative duties of the school during normal school hours, including such duties as:

• Provide supervision/monitoring of students during breaks, lunches, community trips, and other times as assigned/necessary, including covering for absent members of the teaching staff.
• The supervision of pupils passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
• Assist students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
• Temporary assignment by the principal to additional supervision duties (lunchroom, recess, and playground duties will be assigned).
• Set up and operate instructional and/or assistive technology equipment under the direction of the teacher.
• Participate in available professional development activities appropriate to district expectations and to the Paraprofessional job requirements.

Paraprofessionals are responsible for other general duties as indicated by the Principal, the Director of Special Education, and the Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designees, and policies of the Pentucket Regional School District.

Reports to:  Building Principal

Work-year: School year (184 days)

Compensation: Consistent with the negotiated payscale with the Pentucket Association of Teachers - Paraprofessional Unit. Pay stipends exist for degrees attained.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Ability to move in and out of an office, classrooms, buildings, and up and down stairs.
• Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds. 
• Strength to lift and/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance, as the students may need positioning.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel and move easily on and off floor mats.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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Pentucket Regional School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. 

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• NO phone call please.

• Applications accepted through TalentEd. Citizenship, residency or work visa required.