Special Needs Paraprofessional

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARION COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION LEVEL/POSITION: REPORTS TO: POSITION SUMMARY: SPECIAL NEEDS PARAPROFESSIONAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR 5.49 A Special Needs Paraprofessional performs specialized work aiding students with disabilities to access the education program. This job classification may be subject to specific detailed training. Work is performed under the general supervision of the principal and/or the direction of a member of the instructional staff. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in a position allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Employees hired for this position must be capable of performing the essential functions of this job description with or without reasonable accommodation. * Manifest a professional code of ethics and values at all times. * Support activities designed to achieve priority goals identified through the District’s strategic plan. * Provide physical aid to students with disabilities with caring for personal needs such as feeding or toileting. * Provide physical aid to students with disabilities with food preparation. * Provide physical aid to students with disabilities with mobility, mobility equipment, and positioning under the direction of the teacher, physical therapist, and/or occupational therapist. * Participate in job-related training. * Provide physical aid to students with disabilities with learning tasks at the direction of the teacher. * Assist the teacher with administration of appropriate assessments designed to measure and observe student progress. * Provide physical aid to students with disabilities with assistive technology and augmentative communication devices/tools under the direction of the teacher and/or speech and language pathologist. * Carry out the District’s approved physical restraint procedures with students who present a danger to self and others and apply de-escalation strategies and techniques. * Assist students with disabilities with behavior management under the direction of the teacher. * Assist with supervision of students with disabilities. * Monitor and assist with the loading and unloading of school buses. ~An Equal Opportunity School District~ * Monitor students during community-based instruction, both on and off campus sites under the direction of an instructional staff member (as prescribed on individual educational plans). * Perform other tasks that are related to enabling students with disabilities to access education at the direction of the teacher or administrator. * Perform other duties as assigned. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: This position typically requires certain knowledge, skills, aptitude, training, and previous experience. Example(s): * Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly. * Collaborative Nature – Ability to work with others in a collaborative format to achieve common goals. * Communication – Ability to communicate effectively with others orally and in writing. * Problem Solving – Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems. * Technical Aptitude – Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information. * Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations in a timely manner. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Heavy Work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force as needed to move objects. PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: NOTE: The employee must be able to perform the physical functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the physical functions of their job, absent undue hardship. Balancing Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or moving surfaces. Bending Climbing Crawling Crouching Dexterity Grasping Hearing Acuity Kneeling Reaching Lowering the body forward from the waist. Ascending or descending stairs, ramps, etc., using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Bending the body downward and forward by bending the leg and spine. Utilize hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, hand and power tools, and to handle other computer components. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. The ability to perceive speech and other environmental sounds at normal volume levels. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Repetitive Motion Substantial and continuous movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Sitting Resting with the body supported by the buttocks or thighs. Standing Assuming an upright position on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time. ~An Equal Opportunity School District~ Stooping Bending the body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist through the use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Twisting Visual Acuity Walking Moving the body from the waist, using a turning motion. The power to see at a level that allows reading of numbers and text, operation of equipment, and inspection of machines, etc. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances. WORKING CONDITIONS: Atmospheric Conditions The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions may affect the respiratory system or the skin: fumes, odors, mists, gases, or poor ventilation. Heat The worker is subject to extreme heat. Temperatures are above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour. Indoors/Outdoors The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside. Noise The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Education – Graduation from a standard high school or equivalency diploma. Associate’s degree or a minimum of 60 credit hours of college level work from an accredited educational institution or passed a state approved assessment test. Experience – Three years of verifiable successful experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that is deemed equal or superior to the foregoing requirements. Computer Skills – Basic understanding and knowledge of use of current technology, as required for the position. Experience in data entry and Microsoft Suite. Certificates and/or License(s) – Required to obtain certification in the District’s mandatory de-escalation strategies and techniques training for Paraprofessionals assigned to self-contained classrooms for students in special education prior to entering the classroom. Other Requirements – Training as needed for assisting with medical procedures, as outlined in Florida Statutes.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.25 - $20.70 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Public school
• Special education school

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Special education: 1 year (Preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Ocala, FL 34470 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ocala, FL 34470: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $21