Intensive Special Education Paraeducator (5931)

The Westborough Public Schools is seeking a

dynamic intensive special education paraeducator

to join our staff at Mill Pond Intermediate School

Grades 4-6

(Monday, 7.5 hours/day, Tuesday-Friday, 6.5 hours per day)

The Westborough Public Schools enthusiastically welcome professionals to our district who thrive in a diverse environment that focuses on the importance of relationships with our students, staff, families, and community.

• We are an innovative, supportive, and high-performing district whose stellar staff provides high quality services for our diverse students and their families.
• We educate approximately 4,000 students from Pre-K through age 22, from homes that speak almost 30 different languages. Our student population is approximately 49% Students of Color and 51% White students.
• We support our vibrant, passionate, dedicated, skilled and professional staff through ongoing collaboration and feedback to ensure their safety, health, sense of belonging, and professional growth!

With a graduation rate of 97% and 90% of our students attending post-secondary schools, we are proud of our commitment to excellence in educating students to be informed and successful citizens of a global world.

Job Title: Special Education Paraeducator

Reports to: Principal and Student Services Coordinator

Department: Student Services

School year and days: Remainder of 2024-2025 school year and beyond

FLSA Status: Non-exempt, Unit B

Salary Range: Paraeducator Salary Scales

Qualifications:

• Education: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s from an accredited college/university in a related field
• • Solid related experience may substitute for a degree
    
• Specialized Knowledge Preferred: child growth and development, disabilities, applied behavioral analysis (ABA), growth mindset, inclusive practices, cultural proficiency, anti-bias instruction, social-emotional learning, assistive technology and/or technology integration
• CORI and Fingerprinting: All appointments are conditional based on a satisfactory CORI and SAFIS Background Check per 603 CMR 51.00.

Preferred Experience:

• Working in a diverse public school setting and with English Language learners
• Working with students with special abilities, including students with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and/or learning challenges
• Collecting data and implementing IEPs under the direction of a special educator
• Teaching life skills such as communication, eating, cleaning, and toileting
• Highly desirable to have experience with:
• • Knowledge in the areas of literacy and math instruction
  • Second Step
  • Responsive Classroom
  • PBS (Positive Behavioral Supports) using the FAIR system
  • Zones of Regulation
  • Social Thinking
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Skills:

• Creates a welcoming, supportive, and equitable learning environment
• Implements instructional and assessment modifications and/or accommodations as directed and where needed
• Empowers students to be critical thinkers who can reflect on their learning, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and implement learned strategies
• Partners and collaborates with team teachers, department colleagues, and specialists
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with students and colleagues
• Integrates technology in order to enhance and extend student learning experiences
• Has a passion for working with students and be flexible and collaborative
• Demonstrate a belief in growth mindset for students and self
• Multitasks in a fast-paced environment and nurture student growth
• Possessing Bilingual skills, especially in Spanish and Portuguese, is highly desirable

Performance Responsibilities May Include (but are not limited to):

• Maintain the physical strength and agility needed to perform job responsibilities
• Maintain professional boundaries with students and families/caregivers
• Ensure confidentiality of records, performance, and personal information related to students and their families/caregivers
• Think and work flexibly with the ability to adjust when needed
• Becomes familiar with and implements the students’ educational, social-emotional, and behavioral needs as outlined in the students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and/or Individual Behavior Plan (IBP)
• Fosters student growth and independence at their individual level
• Displays flexibility in accepting and carrying out assignments and responsibilities
• • Participates in professional development activities and attends meetings as directed by the Principal or Student Services Coordinator
  • Demonstrates a willingness to learn and administer individualized student programs and technology devices
• Any other relative duties as assigned.

The Intensive Special Education Paraeducator must also be able to perform job responsibilities outlined below:

• Assisting students with physical, cognitive disabilities and/or limited mobility with feeding, toileting, diapering, and managing other personal care tasks including possible exposure to bodily fluids (training and protocols will be provided)
• Responding to emergency situations such as behavioral challenges, student altercations, medical needs (instead of injuries) etc.
• Staying focused on student need and safety amid a busy, noisy, and sometimes stressful work environment

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the WPS Paraeducator’s Evaluation system.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary and benefits, for permanent benefits eligible staff, are per the contract between the Westborough School Committee

and the Westborough Education Association.

The Westborough Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other class protected by law.

Date Updated: 3/16/2023