What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contractual Paraprofessional position at Somerset County Public Schools?
An immediate opening is available for contractual Special Education paraprofessionals at both Elementary and Secondary locations for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year. Potential exists for full-time employment. All candidates will be required to pass a background check.
Summary
An employee in this classification assists the Special Education staff in performing various instructional related activities and non-teaching assignments. These activities and assignments are planned by the Special Education staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: Other duties may be assigned by the Special Education staff, building administrator or other member of the instructional team.
- Collaborates with staff to discuss planning the daily lessons and instructional program.
- Brings to the Special Education staff any unique problems of the individual student.
- Works with students on an individual basis or in small groups and provide accommodations as needed.
- Maintains a list of all students that he/she is working with collects necessary data for progress monitoring
- Reinforces classroom instruction and management.
- Maintains a secure and orderly child centered environment.
- Plays a positive role with children encouraging them in their work and understanding of their individualized needs.
- Assists with designated non-instructional tasks as prescribed by the staff.
- Provides intervention as needed in the instructional program.
- Carries out the implementation of a course of study as prescribed by the assigned staff.
- Participates in meetings regarding program planning and student progress as appropriate.
- Implements a behavior management program under the supervision of assigned staff if required.
III. 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.
Education and/or Experience
All individuals in this job classification must have a high school diploma. Individuals who possess one of the following are preferred:
- 48 college credits
- Associates Degree or Higher, or
- Passing scores on the Paraprofessional Test (455) as administered by the Educational Testing Service.
Language Skills
Must have effective written and oral communication skills to be able to communicate effectively with students, staff and parents as required.
Mathematical Skills
Must have effective mathematical skills to be able to assist students in mastering their daily lessons.
Reasoning Ability
Should be able to use good judgment in working with children and adults and to remain calm in pressure situations.
Computer Skills
Must be proficient in basic computer usage including email, Microsoft Word, Internet search, and any instructional program that students use. Individual should remain up to date with evolving technology as it relates to school programs.
Other Skills and Abilities
Individual should be open to suggestions for improvement and willing to put effort and time into developing skills.
Other Qualifications
A willingness to assume extra responsibility with school programs and school activities that will foster learning and student growth is necessary. Good attendance is expected.
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. Employee should be physically able to perform all duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.