Special Education Paraprofessional (2025 - 2026)

REPORTS TO: Supervising Teacher, Principal or his/her designee

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. High school diploma or GED and pass score on one of the paraprofessional assessments  OR  Two or more years of college and passing score on one of the paraprofessional assessments within the first calendar year of employment. 
2. Possess Georgia Paraprofessional Certificate
3. Physically able to perform assigned duties
4. Acceptable criminal background check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Ability to relate to and work with students and adults in a positive manner, to work cooperatively with colleagues, to follow written and verbal instructions, to perform clerical tasks, to plan and organize, to be flexible and to maintain confidentiality. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, basic English and mathematics skills, basic knowledge of technology and ability to apply knowledge to assigned areas of responsibility, and knowledge of operation of office and audio-visual equipment. In some cases assistants may work with special needs students, in which cases such assistants may be required to possess additional skills and training in providing for the specific physical needs of such students. These additional skills may include physical restraint, changing diapers, and other hygiene/toileting needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Routine physical activities that are required to fulfill job responsibilities; ability to lift a student up to a weight of 60 pounds without assistance; ability to perform a two person lift for students over 60 pounds 

JOB OBJECTIVES: 

1. Work Habits 
2. Observes assigned work hours. 
3. Maintains a pattern of prompt and regular attendance. 
4. Follows the daily schedule as prescribed. 
5. Adjusts to work assignments and/or schedule changes.

1. Performance Responsibilities 
2. Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by the teacher. 
3. Provides extra assistance to students with special needs, such as non-English-speaking students or those with physical and/or mental disabilities. 
4. Assists as directed by the teacher in the effort to successfully maintain students with special needs in an integrated setting, as determined by the IEP team. 
5. Assists the teacher in preparing materials and equipment for direct instructional activity, including locating, copying, collating, distributing and/or grouping materials to support instructional activities planned by the teacher. 
6. Assists with bulletin boards and decorations for instructional purposes and for special events. 
7. Supervises students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips. 
8. Performs assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as snack time, toileting, and clothing routines. 
9. Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned to the class. 
10. Attends staff meetings, and serves on committees as required. 
11. Performs other duties as assigned by the teacher, principal or his/her designee. 
12. Demonstrates ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students in school environment and community.
13. Maintains a cooperative working relationship with principal, supervising teacher, students, parents, staff and public. 

1. Training and Experience 
2. Participates in professional learning activities which align with school improvement goals. 
3. Participates in staff development opportunities provided by the county. 

1. Personal Qualities 
2. Demonstrates a positive attitude toward work assignment. 
3. Accepts responsibility for the work assigned. 
4. Maintains appropriate appearance and personal hygiene. 
5. Accepts constructive criticism. 

1. Additional School Level Responsibilities 

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                                     Signature Date

Approved: May 28, 2019