Job Title: District-wide Special Education Paraprofessional for Specialized Programs
Specialized In-District Programs include but are not limited to:
- LAHB
- HOMEBASE
- RISE
- EXCEL
- BRIDGES
Reports to:
- Administratively responsible to the building principal/Head of School.
- Programmatically responsible to the Director of Special Education and/or Special Education Coordinator.
General Description:
The Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) serve eight elementary schools, a nationally accredited
preschool program and a nationally recognized high school. A qualified paraprofessional will
work closely with an assigned special educator and/or classroom teacher, and will provide
comprehensive direct care and instructional support to students individually and in small groups. In order to thrive in this role, the paraprofessional must be caring, compassionate, and committed to each student's success.
General Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Two years of study at an institute of higher education, Associates of Arts (AA) degree or higher degree preferred.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently
- Completion of first aid and CPR training, with Certificate preferred.
- Certification in non-violent crisis intervention (SafetyCare) preferred.
- Knowledge of disabilities related to specific program need.
- Ability to work as a team and maintain composure under potentially stressful conditions.
- Ability to problem solve while maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and community.
- Ability to sit, stand, balance, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear required.
- Willingness to lift, carry, push, pull, and move up to 75 pounds, including students, required.
Specific Qualifications (by program):
RISE
- Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum disabilities required
- Experience and/or knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.
- Knowledge to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
- Willingness to participate and earn certification in SafetyCare preferred
EXCEL
- Experience working with students who have emotional impairments and mental health needs required.
- Experience and/or knowledge of programs such as Social Thinking and/or Zones of
- Regulation preferred.
- Willingness to participate and earn certification in SafetyCare preferred
LAHB
- Experience working with students with language-based learning disabilities required.
- Experience and/or knowledge of evidence-based reading programs such as Orton-Gillingham required.
- Participation in a ten-hour Orton-Gillingham Orientation required.
BRIDGE
- Experience working with students with a wide range of disabilities required
- Experience and/willingness to job-coach, work in a variety of community settings
- Knowledge to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
- Willingness to participate and earn certification in SafetyCare preferred
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, parents, and staff, and faculty meetings and events as required.
- Model an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students of varied age groups and varied disabilities.
- Provide support to students in all elective and activities as determined by the IEP Team.
- Maintain professional documentation as assigned, including data collection for behavioral logs, academic tasks, etc.
- Participate in direct supervision and support of students by assisting with activities of daily living; toileting, feeding, etc.
- As assigned by the classroom teacher and/or special educator, work with students individually and in small groups, reinforcing basic instruction in reading, writing, math, and other education related activities.
- Ensure provision of accommodations and modifications in the general education setting as articulated in a current IEP.
- Assist the special educator and/or classroom teacher in all aspects of classroom instruction, general organization, and behavior support.
- Support students throughout the school day including passing periods, lunch, recess, etc.
- Provide inclusion support as assigned, and ensure designated students are included in the general education setting, the least restrictive environment.
- Perform routine clerical tasks operating a variety of educational and office related machines and equipment.
- Performing clerical duties, such as tracking student attendance, filing, photocopying.
- Ensuring the upkeep of educational materials, equipment, and supplies.
Other
- Attend and participate in all scheduled paraprofessional trainings and professional development.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education and/or Principal or Head of School
- Comply with all district and school policies and procedures.
- Participate in IEP meetings and/or classroom planning meetings as requested.
- Services to students at school, at home, or in the community may be assigned as determined by Team process.
TERMS: BEU, Para UNIT
- All employees must be vaccinated and maintain full vaccination as a condition of employment or work as an on-site vendor/contractor, unless they receive approval for a documented medical or religious exemption in accordance with relevant state and/or federal law. For a full copy of the Covid-19 vaccination policy please click HERE.
The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.
The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.