Education Support Professional - Special Education

Weymouth Public Schools•Weymouth, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Education Support Professional supports and carries out instruction designed by general and special educators to meet the individual needs of students with or without disabilities. The role assists educators in achieving student success, which may include supporting students with IEP goals, monitoring and documenting progress, and communicating regularly with classroom teachers and service providers. The position requires calm, non-reactionary support and appropriate boundaries and diplomacy with colleagues, families, and community members. Information from or for parents and guardians is communicated to the classroom teacher (PreK–5) or Special Education Liaison (grades 6–12), who will coordinate direct communication. The position serves Weymouth Public Schools, a community of more than 5,600 students across 11 school buildings. Employment is for 183 work days under the Weymouth Educators Association Unit D Collective Bargaining Agreement. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check pursuant to state and/or federal laws.

Requirements

An associate degree or higher; or at least two years of post-secondary education equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution; or achievement of a rigorous standard on a formal Massachusetts-endorsed assessment such as Parapro or WorkKeys.
Ability to carry out instructions and demonstrate flexibility.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and identify sensitive information.
Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to operate computers and use Google Suite and other required programs.
Patience, tact, and good judgment.
Ability to succeed in a complex and changing environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
Ability to respond quickly in emergencies.
Ability to meet the physical and environmental demands described for the role, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, occasional lifting or moving up to 50 pounds, and possible physical guidance of students.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with special education and IEPs.
Experience with data collection and documentation.

Responsibilities

Support students’ physical, academic, and/or behavioral needs.
Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans.
Manage aggressive behaviors; use behavior de-escalation, safety skills, and programmatic safety training skills as needed, such as CPI or Safety Care.
Provide specialized learning techniques and applied behavioral activities tailored to individualized instruction and student support.
Monitor student progress and collect and document appropriate academic and/or behavioral data.
Use verbal and visual supports and model appropriate tasks, skills, and behaviors for students.
Accompany students throughout the day as needed, including classes, services, recess, lunch, and other times required by an IEP or 504 plan.
Support classroom teachers with classroom duties when necessary.
Facilitate collaboration and communication between classroom teachers and special education liaisons regarding student needs.
Participate in district-provided job-related training.
Perform other duties assigned by building or special education administrators.