Positions may be between 28-35 hours a week, they will assist Special Education students in the Show Low School District. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Special Education Paraprofessionals work under the supervision of a special education teacher to provide care and support in a safe and appropriate manner while focusing on each student’s academic success in meeting their individual goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED required
• An Associate’s degree or higher OR completed two years of study (equaling 60 or more credit hours) from an accredited institution of higher education OR obtained a passing score on one of the Arizona Department of Education paraprofessional approved assessments
• General computer skills
• Ability to grasp and convey subject knowledge (reading, math, science, etc.) as needed for position
• Ability to read and follow directions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding individual students’ situations
• Ability to provide student assistance during emergency evacuations
• Ability and willingness to attend professional development and implement crisis prevention techniques including, but not limited to safe student restraint

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Assists medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students (e.g. lifting, feeding, toilet training, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts students (e.g. bathroom, office classroom, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and safe arrival to and/or from destination.
• Under the supervision of assigned teacher, implements behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Intervenes in potential conflicts utilizing appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches for the purpose of diffusing confrontations and minimizing disruptions.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Models conversation, manners, clean-up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical functions (e.g. copying, filing, data entry, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the instructional program.
• Under the supervision of assigned teacher, provides instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, job skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to move about the classroom and campus and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools, controls and to reach with hands and arms, bend stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. The employee may have to safely physically restrain a student from hurting self or others. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.