Substitute Paraprofessional - Special Education

Bryant Public Schools · Bryant, United States

Paraprofessional - Special Education

To support teachers and other certified personnel in the implementation of instruction and related services for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions:

• Provide extra assistance to students with special needs, such as non-English-speaking students or those with physical and mental disabilities.
• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, elective classes, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role-playing methods.
• Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
• Operate computers in classrooms and laboratories and assist students with hardware and software use.
• Reinforce instructional activities with students as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Observe and respect confidentiality as it applies to all students.
• Implement therapeutic activities including OT, PT, and Speech and Behavioral support under the direction of the special education teacher and school therapists.
• Implement Intensive Crisis Management protocols after training and certification.
• Assist teacher in maintaining the classroom.
• Assist with duties as assigned in the lunchroom, during physical activity periods, on the bus, etc.
• Escort students to elective classes and facilitate their inclusion and participation.
• Attend extracurricular and school-sanctioned events with students as assigned.
• Attend professional development as directed and implement strategies at the direction of the teacher.
• After training by school nurse, administer student medication in accordance with school policy with appropriate documentation.
• Assist students in practicing and participating in Special Olympics at the discretion of the special education teachers.
• Provide and document personal care for students with disabilities which may include the following: Lifting and positioning of students Changing clothes/diapers Catheterization Tube Feedings Oral feeding and food preparation Oral Suctioning Tracheostomy care Brushing of teeth Monitoring and documenting seizures Monthly cycle care
• Ride a special education bus, as required, to ensure safety of students with disabilities. Duties may include the following: Physically assist students on and off the bus. Ensure that seat belts and/or harnesses are securely fastened during the route. Operate wheelchair lift and tiedowns. Provide behavioral support as needed. Maintain visual supervision of students at all times to ensure safety. Assist with evacuation drills. Maintain roster and check students on/off the bus. Assist the driver as a "look-out" in difficult situations. Inform the driver of any damage or needed repairs.
• Report to the proper authorities any cases of suspected child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
• Report suspected bullying to building principal or designee as required by Arkansas law and district policies.
• Adhere to all policies of the District.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Administrator and Special Education Director.

Position Qualifications:

• Accountability
• Accuracy
• Communication, Oral
• Communication, Written
• Diversity Oriented
• Creative
• Energetic
• Enthusiastic
• Ethical
• Friendly
• Honesty / Integrity
• Initiative
• Interpersonal
• Judgment
• Loyal
• Organized
• Patience
• Punctuality
• Regular attendance
• Reliability
• Responsible
• Tactful
• Working Under Pressure

Skills & Abilities:

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) Required. Associate's Degree (two year college or technical school) Preferred. A passing score on the Paraprofessional Proficiency Assessment will substitute for the Associate degree requirement.
• Experience: Previous experience working with children or adults with disabilities preferred.
• Computer Skills: Shall be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency with computers and programs associated with the position.
• Other Requirements: Successful completion of pre-employment background checks. Appropriate personal and professional conduct at all times while around students and other staff members. Must meet all state and federal requirements for the position.

Physical Demands:

• Stand Constantly
• Walk Constantly
• Sit Frequently
• Manually Manipulate Constantly
• Reach Outward Constantly
• Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
• Climb Occasionally
• Crawl Occasionally
• Squat or Kneel Occasionally
• Bend Occasionally
• Grasp Constantly
• Speak Constantly
• Lift/Carry 10 lbs or less Constantly
• 11-20 lbs Frequently
• 21-50 lbs Frequently
• 51-100 lbs Occasionally
• Over 100 lbs Occasionally
• Push/Pull 12 lbs or less Frequently
• 13-25 lbs Frequently
• 26-40 lbs Occasionally
• 41-100 lbs Occasionally

Other Physical Requirements:

• Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth)
• Sense of Sound - Ability to carry on normal conversations.

Work Environment:

• This position is predominately in an indoor environment but does involve occasional outdoor duties.
• The indoor sound level varies from very quiet to moderately loud depending on the activities taking place.