Bridge Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional (Bridge Program)

Position Summary: The purpose of this position is to have an individual who can assist teachers in the delivery of instruction to students.

Overview of the Bridge Program

Students in the Bridge Program have identified behavioral and/or social/emotional challenges as a result of an emotional impairment or other disability. These students struggle to regulate their emotions and often have difficulty communicating and problem solving what it is that is bothering them. A primary focus of the Bridge Program is to help students acquire coping strategies to deal with their emotions, as well as appropriately interact with their peers. Typically, students in the Bridge Program struggle to meet the academic needs of the general education classroom and benefit from a small group setting.

Description of Duties

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Management of the Learning Environment

• Implements student goals and objectives, under the direction of the teacher.
• Utilizes educational materials properly.
• Helps to maintain a pleasant, neat and well-organized classroom.
• Performs scheduled duties promptly.
• Fulfills paperwork responsibilities promptly.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service educational activities.
• Fulfills other duties as assigned by building principal.
  
  

Management of Student Needs- supporting the student performance Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Demonstrates competency in the following area per training and supervision by the nurse:
• G-tube feeding
• Demonstrates competency in the following area per raining and supervision by the speech/language therapist and/or teacher
• Implementation of feeding plans
• Demonstrates competency in the following areas per raining and supervision by the physical therapist
• Lifting, moving and positioning
• Demonstrates competencies in the following area per training and supervision by the teacher
• Implementing behavior plans, including collecting data
• Toileting, including changing diapers
• Demonstrates competency in the following area per training and supervision by the nurse and teacher
• Daily hygiene
  
  

Student Interactions

• Assumes responsibility for providing a safe, supportive, structured learning environment for all students.
• Relates well to students
• Provides and promotes opportunities for students to develop a positive self-concept.
• Accepts responsibility for the well-being of each assigned student
  
  

Professional and Personal Qualities

• Adheres the academic, ethical and social standards
• Communicates clearly and appropriately
• Dresses appropriately
• Accepts constructive feedback
• Maintains confidentiality
• Is equitable, sensitive and responsive to all learners
• Good attendance
• Participates in ongoing professional development and building meetings
  
  

Teacher/Staff Relations

• Shows evidence of helping to promote positive working relationships with school personnel.
• Demonstrates willingness to share and exchange ideas, skills, techniques and materials.
• Works effectively with administrative personnel.
• Accepts and implements school and district decisions.
• Fulfills assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities.
• Complies with school department procedures and school committee policies.
  
  

Toileting/diapering and heavy lifting may be required.

Supervision

Supervision Scope

Supervises students and evaluates their achievement.

Supervision Given and Received

Supervised by principal and/or director.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• High school diploma, two years of higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students, under the direction of the teacher.
  
  

Knowledge Required

• Ability to follow directions effectively.
• Familiarity with student instructional and disciplinary procedures.
  
  

Abilities Required

• Ability to implement assigned tasks and activities.
• Diligence in monitoring students' safety and security.
• Ability to support and reinforce the teacher's expectations for students.
  
  

Skills Required

• Able to follow directions promptly and effectively.
• Able to relate to students as a caring adult.
• Able to work with students on academic tasks assigned by the teacher.
  
  

Salary: As per the WEA contract.

Please click here to apply!

Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.