Special Education Paraprofessional

Athol Middle School is seeking an energetic, caring Special Education Paraprofessional who believes all kids can learn to work under the supervision of the special education teachers and the building administration to support students in the classroom setting with learning, behavioral, and social skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Other duties may be assigned. Provides a variety of responsible instructional and behavioral support activities to enhance the educational environment of students and to meet the educational/training objectives of the program and the educational team. Implements the needs of the student''s IEP and implements program modifications as directed by certificated staff. Maintains awareness of the child''s disability. Conducts specific behavioral therapy, reviews data, reports concerns, and provides progress information and outcomes to certified staff. Collects data and records notes in designated student program data collection systems. Oversees students during class, tutoring, mainstreaming, playground, eating activities, emergencies, preparedness drills, etc. Uses instructional technology appropriately with students and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology and/or communication needs. Supervises students in a variety of situations under the direction of certified staff, the collaborative educational team, and parents, always observing students' behaviors carefully to ensure personal and group safety. Assists assigned children in instruction, communication, social activities, integration, recreation, sports, arts and crafts, personal hygiene, and other designated activities. Assists and supervises in transferring children to and from buses, special equipment, classrooms, and events, supervising students during lunch, transition, and recess time, and ensuring student safety at all times. Assists and supervises in toilet training, toileting, diapering, dressing, cleaning, feeding, and lifting of children as necessary.

Prepares materials for use in the classroom and therapy. Assists in maintaining a disciplined, neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment. Models appropriate behavior for students.