Ed Para,Intensive Disab,Nc,Nt I (Ese)

Orange County Public Schools • Orlando, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, this position provides assistance with the education, care, and development of students with severe disabilities. The work includes instructional, clerical, behavioral-management, therapeutic, and physical-care support, performed under the direction of a certified teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator and according to students’ exceptional needs.

The paraprofessional supports students across a K–8 campus, including Exceptional Student Education students. Duties include assisting with instruction and learning activities; applying positive behavioral supports and behavior intervention plans; monitoring and documenting behavior; helping students with mobility, motor skills, communication, and daily living needs; and providing individual assistance throughout the school day. The role also supports lunch duty, student transitions, data collection, progress monitoring, and the development and review of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

The position requires the ability to perform very heavy physical work, including lifting and moving heavy objects or materials up to 100 pounds and occasionally more. Work may involve exposure to adverse conditions, including violence when supporting severely disabled or emotionally disturbed children. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Candidates who have passed the Para Assessment, or who have an associate’s degree or 60 completed semester credits, may be eligible for a higher hourly rate in a certified position, upon providing evidence. New hires must successfully complete ESE Training within 45 days of hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least two years of experience working with exceptional-needs school-age children from Pre-K through grade 12 in an educational environment, providing familiarity with the physical and emotional behaviors and challenges of children with severe disabilities; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Stress-management skills.
• Ability to meet the dexterity and physical requirements of the work and effectively attend to special needs.
• New hires must successfully complete ESE Training within 45 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• A passing score on the Para Assessment, an associate’s degree, or 60 completed semester credits may qualify candidates for a higher hourly rate in a certified position; evidence must be provided.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional, behavioral, and developmental assistance to students with severe disabilities as directed by a supervising teacher or other certified professional.
• Apply positive behavioral-support practices and assist students in developing problem-solving skills.
• Assist with behavior interventions, including monitoring and charting student behaviors.
• Use crisis-intervention principles with students displaying aggressive behavior, including physical restraint when required.
• Assist students arriving by bus, transfer students from wheelchairs as needed, and monitor their medical and social-emotional needs.
• Provide support and follow-up for students with severe disabilities assigned to in-school suspension.
• Reinforce school and classroom rules, encourage appropriate behavior, and identify inappropriate behavior using positive behavioral-support approaches.
• Escort and provide one-on-one assistance during meals, restroom visits, and other activities throughout the school day.
• Support gross motor activities, including grasping, holding objects, posture, crawling, walking, and running, as appropriate to individual development.
• Support fine motor activities, including use of assistive devices, job skills, and leisure skills, as appropriate to individual development.
• Assist with daily living skills, including dressing, eating, lavatory needs and diapering, grooming, and personal hygiene.
• Assist teachers with lesson plans, behavior intervention plans, student accommodations, learning activities, and instructional materials.
• Assist with collecting and reporting data for progress monitoring, progress reports, and IEP development and review.
• Perform assigned monitoring duties, including hallway, lunchroom, restroom, and bus duty; support appropriate student conduct and escort students to designated activities.
• Assist teachers in assigned labs and provide instruction or information to students; translate lesson plans or other information when assigned.
• Keep current with job-related technology and attend district-supported training as needed to maintain required technology skills.
• Maintain timely and accurate information as part of job responsibilities.
• Support ESE students across the K–8 campus, including behavior intervention plans, best practices, school-wide strategies, and lunch duty.
• Perform related duties as directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED