The posting
JOB DESCRIPTION
Paraprofessional - Special Education
DIVISION: Assigned Location
GRADE: 5
DEPARTMENT: Assigned School
WORK DAY: 190
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt
JOB CLASS: 4362,
GROUP: Classified
POSITION SUMMARY
The role of a Special Education Paraprofessional is essential for creating a structured and effective learning environment for special education students from Pre-K through K12. Paraprofessionals support the delivery of specialized instructional programs and help students utilize available resources to enhance their learning experience. Depending on the needs of the classroom and teachers, they may work in various settings including classrooms, offices, and media centers, and they might assist students individually or in groups. This position adapts to diverse educational needs, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey.
The class will address the growing need for K–2 students with eligibilities such as Autism and SDD, or related developmental needs, who have cognitive and developmental abilities indicating potential to access the Tier 1 curriculum rather than an adapted curriculum model. These students require a structured, small-group instructional model prior to successful participation in full general education collaborative or co-teaching settings.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:
- Paraprofessional license OR have passed the paraprofessional assessment
- Maintains all licenses and certifications
- Criminal Justice Fingerprint
- Background Clearance
WORK EXPERIENCE:
- At least 21 years of age (Individuals who have a minimum credit hours and hold an Associate Degree or higher teaching credential do not have to meet the minimum 21 years of age requirement)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Skills-based Competencies
Required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices and procedures; administer first aid and/or prescribed medications; applying physical restraint practices; and promoting activities and/or events.
Knowledge-based Competencies
Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; age appropriate activities/behaviors; classroom instructional media and technology; cultural differences of student population; health standards and hazards; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; methods of instruction and training; operation of office equipment and technology; school safety and security practices.
Ability-based Competencies
Required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with persons of diverse backgrounds; working extended hours and working with frequent interruptions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (Generally ranges from 5-10 bullet points)
- Administers achievement and diagnostics tests as directed by the teacher (math and reading tests, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in the instructional process.
- Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments and training for accomplishing daily tasks (listening to students read, providing writing assistance, help with computer learning programs, toilet training, etc.) for the purpose of practicing and/or reinforcing learning concepts while assisting students in reaching academic goals, grade level standards, appropriate social skills.
- Implements independent study, enrichment work, remedial work, and daily physical cleanliness (toileting, dressing, teeth brushing, hair brushing, self-feeding, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
- Maintains classroom equipment, work area supplies, and learning aids (computers, drawing materials, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and providing a safe learning environment.
- Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom restrooms, bus loading/unloading, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
- Responds to emergency situations (injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Supports classroom teachers (storytelling, reading, drill work, special one-on-one work, assisting in lunchroom, adaptive P.E routines, etc.) for the purpose of assisting teachers in the implementation of appropriate behavior, curriculum, and teaching methodologies.
- Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Continued Employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Continued Employment which may be required of positions in this class. Clarke County School District encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Human Resources Department for further information.
Vision:
Hearing:
Speech:
Upper Body Mobility:
Strength: Some lifting
Environmental requirements:
Mental Requirements:
Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing.
It is the policy of the Clarke County School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, religion, disability or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.
Last Updated: 08/2024
