Paraprofessional

PARAPROFESSIONAL

REPORTS TO: School Manager – School Based Youth Services

SUMMARY

The Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB) is a comprehensive human services organization based in Middlesex County, New Jersey. We are the primary institution that provides diverse bilingual/multicultural services to the entire Central New Jersey community. Each year, we serve approximately 30,000 people in the region. Our mission is to equip diverse individuals and families in Central New Jersey to achieve personal, family, and community development. Through our innovative early childhood, youth, family, and community programs, individuals and families access the tools and resources they need to grow into productive, self-sufficient people.

The Paraprofessional is a seasoned, creative, energetic, and flexible individual who supports the Youth Department team within the Youth Development After-School Program. The After School Program’s goal is to improve students’ grades by a minimum of one grade level in addition to providing youth with the opportunity to engage in activities that develop positive attitudes, behaviors, and skills. This is accomplished through a curriculum focused on academic tutoring and mentoring. S/he is knowledgeable of basic teaching principles, and applicable school related issues. Reporting to Middle School Manager, s/he ensures the integrity of the agency’s after school program by documenting student/tutor attendance and interactions. S/he also helps ensure that all student/tutor activities are coordinated, integrated, data-driven, and well-executed with attention to student grades and detail.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Paraprofessional

• Facilitates the after-school homework assistance program for students
• Facilitate educational workshops.
• Record keeping of student academic progress in areas of educational challenge.
• Maintain sign-in sheets of tutor/volunteers assigned to the program.
• Facilitate workshops pre-and post-tests.
• Assist in creating and implementing monthly educational projects.
• Complete all necessary paperwork such as attendance records, parent sign out sheets, and incident reports.
• Provide a safe environment for students and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Facilitates social-emotional enrichment workshops
• Assists students with homework
• Tutor students in areas of academic difficulty
• Attend staff development trainings
• Record workshops and activities

General

• Participate actively and represent PRAB in community life within Central New Jersey, including community events, neighborhood and community groups, advocacy efforts, policy-oriented forums, PRAB partnerships and collaborations, government agencies, and private institutions
• Conduct, attend, and participate in internal meetings to maintain and improve professional competence
• Work diplomatically to solve problems within the organization
• Maintain professional appearance and behavior
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports (both internal and external)
• Perform other duties as assigned by Middle School Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

• Paraprofessional’s Certification with Middlesex County school system, preferred.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish, preferred.
• CPR/First Aid Training a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Fully committed to PRAB’s vision, mission, and strategic goals and outcomes
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communications skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a fast paced, highly interactive staff
• Proven ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting
• Proven ability to work well with diverse groups
• Proven ability to establish good rapport with families
• Proven ability to solve problems, resolve conflicts, and
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure
• Proven ability to meet strict deadlines within time constraints, with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness
• Proven ability to work flexible hours and travel for training if necessary
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of Middlesex County community, resources, and needs.
• Demonstrated consistent and reliable attendance and punctuality
• Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Regularly stand, sit, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Generally works in a school environment but may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical school setting

Compensation and Hours

• This is a part-time, non-exempt, hourly position
• Hourly rate is based on an pre-established range and is commensurate with experience
• Includes evening work hours
• No benefits are offered

PRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER