Autism Specialist, Mod/Severe, SCIA Para-Educator - District Office

About the Employer

Join our team in the beautiful mountains of Kern County, California! We are located off of State Highway 58 between Bakersfield and Mojave. Our community of four seasons is characterized by physical beauty, a relaxed atmosphere, and quality lifestyles.

Tehachapi Unified School District (TUSD) provides quality education programs for approximately 4,200 students in TK/Kindergarten through Grade 12, including Career Technical Education (CTE), preschool, and after-school services. We employ approximately 630 teachers, principals, and other staff across three elementary sites, one middle school, one high school, one alternative high school, and one K-8 blended learning school.

Job Summary

If at least three (3) applicants are permanent employees from the Tehachapi School District and demonstrate the ability to meet the job qualifications, the position will be filled on a promotional basis.

Valid CA driver's license required

ABA Certification or RBT Certification within 45 days of hire

CPI Certification within 45 days of hire

First Aid/CPR Certification

Tehachapi Unified School District has two (2) vacancies for a 6.50 hours per day, 5 days per week, SCIA Para-Educator out of the District Office.

Tentative times are 8:30 - 3:30

Work times and work site will vary depending on assignment and are subject to change based upon the needs of the District.

Benefits available.

Range: P

Classification: Classified

Job Description: Autism Specialists, Mod/Severe, SCIA Para-Educators

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education Services or Designee

DESCRIPTION (DEFINITION & DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS):

The Autism Specialist, Mod/Severe, SCIA Para-Educator will assist the teacher(s) by caring for students who are placed in an autism, mod/severe or TALL/Workability Program classroom setting by supporting their educational needs through the presentation of educational materials, strategies, or exercises. These staff members perform a variety of duties related to the health and safety of students with disabilities, documenting activities and progress; and supporting students' IEP goals, which requires a high degree of positive contact with both students and certificated staff. The Autism, Mod/Severe, SCIA Para-Educator may work with one or more fully included special needs student(s) under the direction of an autism, mod/severe, or TALL/Workability Program teacher.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (EXAMPLE OF DUTIES):

• As part of the student's team, assists in implementing appropriate individualized instructional and behavioral plans and programs for assigned student, making adaptations as necessary under the direction of the Teacher, Psychologist, or Program Specialist.
• Assists student(s), in developing social, life and learning skills using ABA and structured teaching strategies such as shaping, task analysis, prompting, fading.
• Helping students develop positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults; promoting the safety of the students and helping them develop self-confidence.
• Assists in determining student needs and effectiveness of strategies by gathering data as directed by the teacher.
• Implement positive behavior intervention strategies and emergency behavior interventions for students.
• Assists teacher in instructing individuals and small groups of students in various learning situations, including basic academic subjects, library activities, self-help, social integration, etc.
• Implement learning situations which may include individualized instruction, creating learning centers, and/or researching instructional programs.
• Assists teacher in implementing curriculum for assigned areas of instruction.
• Assists in supervising students to maintain effective learning environment, noting behavioral problems observed and redirecting when necessary.
• Assists in organizing, learning and/or instructional environments, preparing, setting up, and correcting materials for daily activities, and maintaining neat and orderly classroom/instructional areas.
• Provides teachers and school administrators with relevant feedback and information on students' progress through observation and daily contact.
• Maintains professional documentation including daily notes, data collection of students' performance on academic tasks, and behavioral logs.

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• Works with students who may exhibit aggressive behavior, as required of specific job assignment and instructs others on how to manage these students.
• Assists in developing goals and objectives for each student according to curriculum and program requirements and in conjunction with certificated staff.
• Escorts students to and from transportation pick-up/delivery place on campus.
• Assists in supervision of students during lunch hours and assemblies.
• Confers with teachers regarding students' progress, program evaluation, problem areas, and assists in development of lesson plans.
• May assist teachers on field trips by helping students meet physical needs, maintaining discipline, and reinforcing learning situations.
• Provides academic and self-help support for a single special needs student included in the regular classroom.
• Assists in modifying and delivering classroom tasks.
• Assists students with special and daily activities such as toileting, grooming and dressing.
• Administers medication when required.
• Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS):

Knowledge of:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders or willingness to attend ongoing training.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies or willingness to attend ongoing training.
• Child guidance principles and practices, especially as related to special needs students.
• Elementary and secondary school curriculum.
• Correct oral and written use of the English language.
• Basic subjects taught in District schools, including math, reading, English, language arts, and writing.
• Basic hygiene needs of children.
• Basic computer and software operation and application.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Assist students in a variety of subject areas and activities.
• Work with students who manifest moderate to severe disabilities and/or health-related concerns.
• Assist with the development of students' social skills based on individual needs.
• Learn instructional techniques, positive behavior procedures and techniques and specialized physical health care needs.
• Analyze and resolve non-disciplinary problems.
• Speak, read and write English
• Demonstrate a patient, understanding and receptive attitude toward students with special needs, including those with disruptive emotional behaviors.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as filing and duplicating instructional materials.
• Operate computer, duplicating and standard office equipment as required.
• Work with discretion and in confidence with student information.
• Interpret and explain policies and procedures.
• Plan and organize work, schedule time, and meet schedules and timelines.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Understand and communicate both orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.

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Training and Experience:

Two years of successful experience and training working with students with Severe Autism or moderate to severe disabilities.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and must meet NCLB requirements ( 48 college units from an accredited college or university; or successful completion of the District Instructional Para Educator

Proficiency Exam). Post-secondary education in one of the following fields of study: Early Childhood Education, Behavioral Science, Psychology, mental health, or other appropriate discipline preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and/or Testing Required:

• Must have or obtain ABA Certification within the probationary period or complete Registered Behavior Technician Certification (40 hours) within 45 days of placement/hire.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certified or complete within 45 days of placement/hire.
• Valid California Driver's License required.
• First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification required.
• TEACCH, PECS, and/or Discrete Trial Training (DTT) preferred.

Working Conditions:

Environment:

The work environment characteristics described herein 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 Abilities:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must be able to:

• Lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds
• Hear and speak to exchange information in person and on the telephone.
• See to read a variety of materials.
• Observe, listen and speak to students.
• Possess dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Bend at the waist, kneel and crouch to work with students and children.
• Sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Reach horizontally and above shoulders to perform job functions.
• Climb a step stool or ladder and reach above shoulders.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT - Student Attendance Days

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Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.80 - $25.81 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $26