Para Educator - Special Education

Position Summary

Under the immediate supervision of an assigned school administrator or director, and under the general direction of a classroom or program teacher, the special education paraeducator provides instructional assistance to students individually and / or in groups according to state standards, classroom objectives and the individualized education program (IEP) or individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). This may include implementing health and / or behavioral plans and providing emergency health related assistance to students as needed. Other duties include direct supervision of students, implementing evidence-based teaching strategies and creating and maintaining classroom environments.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform any combination of these duties.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This entry level position works directly with students to advance their academic and individualized goals. The special education paraeducator provides direct and indirect instructional support to children within the classroom, home or community environments under the direction of the assigned teacher.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports directly to the assigned administrator or director for the program to which they are assigned.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

• Provide students individual and specialized instruction daily.
• Assist individual students and small groups of students with skill development and other related activities.
• Assist the instructor by directly implementing lesson plans and educational interventions.
• Assist the instructor with maintaining program order by observing and monitoring the activities of students. These activities may be in or out of the classroom setting.
• Observe, monitor and provide proactive behavioral direction to students.
• Collect data on IEP / IFSP goals and other target areas, under the direction of the administrator, instructor, behavior specialist or school psychologist.
• Be responsive to the unique needs of each student.
• Implement behavior strategies and implement behavior plans under the direction of the administrator, instructor, behavior specialist or school psychologist.
• Assist in maintaining an orderly classroom including sanitizing and cleaning of materials within the instructional environment.
• Prepare and clean eating materials, cleaning supplies, eating and work surfaces, restrooms and other areas in a manner that satisfies sanitation and safety requirements.
• Assist in physical development independent access to communication, personal hygiene (i.e. feeding, grooming, toileting), academic learning and vocational skills.
• Supervise students within the classroom, outdoors, in the community and during field trips.
• May operate or assist with mechanical equipment such as lifts, wheelchairs, modified bikes, standers and other accommodation support devices.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with diverse groups of students, families and colleagues.
• Willingly engage in learning new instructional techniques and participating in employer lead professional development.
• Reflect and collaborate with team members regarding lessons and engage in problem solving to enhance the impact of educational lessons and environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of :

Ability to :

Education and Experience

Minimum required

Preferred Experience

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

This position will be assigned to an educational setting which may be in a classroom, community or home. The employee will be expected to work closely with other County offices, District personnel, students, families, other medical professionals, outside agencies and private partners. Assigned school site settings where multiple children, school staff and families are present. Employees may be required to walk, stand or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction or upset staff or students.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. The employee will need to frequently perform repetitive hand / finger movements for activities such as, but not limited to, using a keyboard, administering medication, assisting with feeding and performing other related duties. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, bend, reach with hands / arms, lift (up to 50 lbs), stoop, kneel and crouch.

Other Requirements

Classified Range 4

PC Approved 1 / 10 / 2023