USD #506 Meadowview Elementary - Speech-Language Para-educator

Speech-Language Para-educator

Purpose:

The job of the Speech-Language para-educator was established for the purposes of providing support under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist in providing instruction and/or therapy to a diverse range of individual or small groups of students with speech, language, voice and fluency communication disorders; to monitor and report student progress toward individual education plan objectives; and to perform a variety of clerical and student assistance duties as assigned.

This position may work with students in Early Childhood settings, Elementary or Secondary classrooms and resource rooms. Additionally, this position may work with students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Responsible to: Speech-Language Pathologist: District Administration; SEK 637 Administration

Experience: Job related experience is desired.

Education/Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University. All para-educator positions are considered non-exempt, at will positions.

Clearances: (Required upon offer of/and acceptance of employment)

• Criminal Background check
• Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in Central Office

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Wages: Based on hourly rate, number of days worked, and completion of required trainings (9-month school calendar)

Essential Functions:

• Provide therapy to a diverse range of individual or small group of student with communication disorders; monitor practices and related activities under indirect supervision to assist in implementing, continuing, or expanding practices to raise student achievement.
• Implement and monitor instructional plans developed by the teacher and/or specialist.
• Maintain accurate daily records of student performance under supervision.
• Document student performance and progress toward meeting established goals and objectives or benchmarks and reporting the information to direct supervisor.
• Accompany students between assigned locations within the educational setting and supervise student in multiple learning environments.
• Assist with administering and scoring assessment instruments.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. education strategies, specific disability education, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to the job functions to meeting established annual State requirements.
• Collaborates with staff for the purpose of providing necessary support and information related to the student’s progress as established in the Individual Education Plan under the direction of certified staff.
• Maintains instructional materials and data sheets for the purpose of ensuring availability of instructional materials and/or providing reliable information regarding student progress.
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment, and respond to the individual needs of students.
• The ability to work cooperatively and demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with other paras, professionals, community agencies, and other groups.
• Assist in safeguarding confidential information, and observing confidentiality requirements.
• Use of appropriate behavior management techniques to maintain a positive climate for learning.
• Faithful, daily attendance and adherence to work schedules.
• Observe all district and interlocal policies during activities.
• Restrict cell phone usage to break and lunch times.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the educational team.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices, operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and using district approved crisis intervention techniques.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/behavior; and safe handling of blood-borne pathogens and crisis de-escalation techniques.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, collect data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating/collaboration with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; and the ability to take constructive feedback.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions frequently require the following physical demands: walking, sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and fine finger dexterity. This position may also require some travel, the ability to work indoors/outdoors year around, as well as the ability to work in noisy, stressful, and crowded environments.