Education Support Professional- Special Education

Weymouth Public Schools•Weymouth, MA

4d•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 provides direct assistance to educators in supporting student success, including work on IEP goals, monitoring and documenting student progress, and regular communication with classroom teachers and/or service providers. The employee communicates information for or from parents and guardians to the appropriate classroom teacher or special education liaison, who coordinates direct communication. The position is responsible to the Building Principal, Associate Principal, Administrator of Special Education, and/or Assistant Director(s) of Special Education. The role may involve physical, academic, and behavioral support; implementing Positive Behavior Support Plans; toileting and diapering students; applying behavior de-escalation and safety skills; and accompanying students through classes, services, recess, lunch, and other activities as required by their IEP or 504 plan. The employee also supports classroom duties when needed, collaborates with teachers and special education liaisons, and participates in district-provided job-related training. This is a non-exempt position for 183 work days under the Weymouth Educators Association (WEA) Unit D Collective Bargaining Agreement. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check pursuant to state and/or federal laws. The work environment is usually moderate to loud, may include multiple adults and students, and can involve dusty, cold, hot, indoor, and outdoor conditions.

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 meeting a rigorous standard on a formal Massachusetts-endorsed assessment such as Parapro or WorkKeys.
Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to carry out instructions.
Maintain confidentiality and identify sensitive information appropriately.
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.
Ability to exercise 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 multiple demands from several people.
Ability to perform the physical duties described, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds; physical guidance may be needed to assist students.
Specific vision abilities including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to walk long distances and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; occasional hand/grip strength to operate office equipment.
Ability to withstand long-term computer use.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Support and assist students with physical, academic, and/or behavioral needs.
Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans.
Manage aggressive behaviors, use behavior de-escalation and safety skills, and apply programmatic safety training skills such as CPI/Safety Care as needed.
Toilet and diaper students.
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 the needs of students served.
Participate in district-provided job-related training.
Perform other duties as assigned by Building or Special Education Administrators.
Communicate information for or from parents and guardians to the appropriate classroom teacher or special education liaison.