Special Education Paraprofessional

Houston County Board of Education

Job Description

Classified Positions

Job Title  Special Ed. Paraprofessional___     Job Code ___436____________

Department/Location _School Site______       FLSA Status   Non-Exempt__

Reports To   ___School Principal________     Date  _____November 5, 2006_____

Summary and relationship to the curriculum: All classified positions will strengthen the delivery of instruction to support the system mission statement.  This position is to help provide a well organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment so each child will be successful.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assists teacher in planning, preparation, and implementation of class activities as described by Individualized Education Program.

1. Assists students, individually or in a group, with lesson assignments to reinforce learning concepts.

1. Assists the teacher in the record keeping and data collection.

1. Assists the teacher in the evaluation and assessment process.

1. Assists with the communication needs of student(s).

1. Participates in school functions, field trips, and extracurricular activities as needed or when appropriate.

1. Participates in training specific to classroom needs.

1. Assumes a lead role with the substitute when regular teacher is absent.

1. Assists with arrival and departure of children.

1. Assists with hall duty, lunchroom duty, and bus loading as directed.

1. Participates in debriefing with teacher as necessary.

1. Assists with the movement of students from one area of the school to another, or to specialized positioning for instruction.

1. Assists with the instruction and/or therapy directed by related support services personnel.

1. Assists with self-help skills, such as: bathroom, diapering, and feeding when needed.

1. Performs other duties as assigned by appropriate supervisor.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below 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.

1. Education and/or Experience: Education level must be within accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines.

1. Certificate or License Required: Certification as required by the Professional Standards Commission. 

1. Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.    Ability to effectively communicate orally.

1. Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole number, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.          

1. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

1. Technical Ability: Must have considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office Products. 

1. Customer Service Skills: Must be capable of interacting effectively with administrators, teachers, staff members, students, parents, and the general public using tactful and helpful customer service. 

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and lift.  Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel.  The employee must be able to exert or lift up to 75 pounds.  The employee may be required to lift and/or assist in lifting students. 

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Confidential Data Exposure:   The nature of this position entails exposure to confidential data.  Confidentiality must be held regarding financial and personal information. 

Additional Requirement:  Must be at work on time.  Must meet attendance standards.  Must conduct activities safely. 

Prepared By  _Dr. Ruth O’Dell___________________     Date  _May 31, 2006__________

Approved By Board of Education ____________  Date  March 13, 2007___________

                                                                                                Revision Dates:  03-13-07