SPED Paraprofessional - MPA

The SPED Paraprofessional performs a variety of tasks relating to the physical and instructional needs of students in a classroom setting. Assists in the implementation of instructional programs, including self-help and behavior management as well as instruction. SPED Paraprofessionals generally work in an inclusionary setting (i.e. least restrictive environment). The role and assignments of a SPED Paraprofessional are not defined by a particular student, setting or program but rather by the students' needs as determined by the IEP. The duties may vary based upon reexamination of a students' individual needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Assist individual students or groups of students in performing activities initiated by the Teacher
• Individually or in small groups, reinforce concepts and skills introduced by the Teacher in all learning environments
• Prepare classroom and instructional materials to ensure learning environment meets students' needs
• Implement accommodations indicated by the IEP (read tests aloud, take notes, enlarge materials, etc.) as directed by the Special Education Teacher
• Facilitate interaction between students with disabilities and classmates
• Behavior support with includes physical management in order to keep students on task
• Provide supervision and assistance on play grounds, gym, at assemblies and on field trips
• Assist students with daily living skills and needs such as personal care, hygiene, eating, grooming, etc.
• Observe, record, and collect data as directed or required by the IEP
• Attend IEP meetings at the request of the Teacher, Administration or Parent
• Consult and collaborate with Special Education and Regular Education Teachers and related staff
• Demonstrate knowledge of the curriculum content for classes assigned
• Willingly participate in skill and competency trainings and in-services
• Maintains awareness of physical and emotional changes in students and reports concerns to Teacher as appropriate.
• Provides support to student's medical needs with training as directed under the supervision of the appropriate staff and with the parent's authorization
• Maintains confidentiality of student data such as medical information and IEP's
• Other duties as assigned

Skills Required

The requirements listed below are representative of the skills, abilities and demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently under varying deadlines
• Ability to exercise tact, good judgement, and initiative in dealing with students, families, staff and the public
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions

Physical Requirements

• Able to independently lift 75 pounds
• Capable of transferring and positioning students
• Work with physically aggressive students
• Talking, listening, sitting, standing and walking - Regularly
• Running, stooping, bending, pushing/pulling, lifting, kneel, crawl and reaching over head - Occasionally
• Visual abilities include close, distant and peripheral vision
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role

Work Environment

Duties and responsibilities generally performed in normal classroom setting, but may be needed in gym areas, outside areas, on a school bus, or during an off-campus event or field trip.

Temperatures may vary from one extreme to another based on the weather conditions at any given time.

The noise level may vary from one extreme to another based on the activity, number of students participating or the location.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• Associate, Bachelor, or higher degree (Preferred)
• Experience working with Special Education students (Required)
• First Aide/CPR certification

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. All employment is "at-will" as governed by the law of the state where the employee works. It is further understood that the "at-will" nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer.

CSAL, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status age, or genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law.