Stark Elementary School: Special Education Paraeducator - Visually Impaired

The filling of this position is based upon continued funding in the Board of Education budget.

POSITION TITLE: PARAEDUCATOR – SPECIAL EDUCATION – Visually Impaired

PURPOSE:
To serve as an integral member of the student support team to provide services to students who are visually impaired, in accordance with the goals/objectives identified by the Individual Education Plan (IEP), with the overarching goal of promoting student independence and autonomy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the supervision of a Certified Staff Professional(s) and/or appropriate Administrator

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
STUDENT SUPPORT DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with students under the direction of a classroom teacher and visually impaired (VI) professional to maximize students’ independence
• Assist the VI professional and school staff with modifications and services necessary to achieve IEP objectives
• Create tactile materials
• Take supplementary student notes
• Assist student with materials in the classroom
• Keep the instructional staff informed regarding student progress and needs
• Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
• Convert visual information to an accessible format for student (ex: print to Braille, small print to large, conversion to high contrast)
• Ensure the safety of the student throughout the school day
• Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assembles, play periods, field trips, and in other non-classroom activities.
• Support with implementation of goals and objectives (IEP) as assigned by certified staff, and maintain strict confidentiality of the same.
• Serve as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Assist with implementation of Health Care plans for students and other medical needs.
• Alert the teacher(s) regarding any problem or special information related to an individual student.

GENERAL /ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in recommended training (see below)
• Use strategies and techniques specific to the needs of visually, blind, or hearing impaired students
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
• Implement strategic decisions made by the student’s team

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Willingness to learn and adapt to best practice strategies for supporting students with IEPs, including encouraging independence and autonomy for students.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions effectively
• Exhibited proficiency in basic reading, math, writing, and speaking English
• Possession or willingness to acquire the skills necessary to work productively with children
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of, at a minimum, the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

MINIMUM Qualifications:

• Must follow the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements and have passed the ParaPro Assessment, hold an Associate’s Degree, or have completed at least 60 credits at an approved college.
• Must possess or be willing to acquire the skills necessary to support needs associated with autism, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), behavioral needs, as well as activities of daily living such as feeding.
• Experience/training in working with children preferred.
• Such additions and alternatives to the above qualifications as may be appropriate and acceptable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This will include indoor office/classroom settings, outdoor play, recreation areas and field trip locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. 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 sit for extended periods of time to view and operate computer equipment, and to stand for extended periods of time to assist student(s) and/or staff.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop and kneel.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hear and speak to exchange information in person and on the telephone.
• Observe, listen and speak to students.

TRAINING FOR PARAPROFESSIONALS (when applicable)

For The Blind and Visually Impaired:

• Complete the Unified English Braille (UEB) online course (Modules 1 and 2)
• Attendance at Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) training for paraprofessionals, if offered
• 3 hours training on blindness specific assistive technology
• 3 hours training on methods and materials
• 1 hour training in Orientation and Mobility and implications of blindness
• Complete Nemeth Training Tutorial Chapters 1-3 (basic math)
• Training on student specific needs if deemed necessary

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Paraeducators of Stamford Association

WORK YEAR: As per Bargaining Agreement

COMPENSATION: $28,704.00 to $45,402.00
Step Placement is based on education and experience as outlined in the Paraeducator Contract.

Application Procedures:
Online application is required.

Internal Applicants: Please upload a cover letter (summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position) and resume as part of your Internal Application.