Special Education ESP Greenleaf Academy

Haverhill Public Schools•Haverhill, MA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Greenleaf Academy, part of Haverhill Public Schools, is seeking a full-time Educational Support Personnel (ESP) for Special Education. This role involves supporting certified teachers in implementing student IEPs, reinforcing learning, assisting with social skills, self-care, and vocational tasks. The ESP will work with students both in-person and virtually, utilizing online platforms like Google Meets and Google Classroom. Responsibilities include assisting with behavior management, implementing treatment and safety plans, data collection, and collaborating with a team of professionals. The position requires a willingness to learn and apply ABA strategies, execute discrete trials, and de-escalation techniques. Additional duties may include assisting with toileting, lifting students as per IEP requirements, and supporting non-instructional and administrative tasks. Professional development is expected.

Requirements

Passing score on the Para Pro Test or other state-approved assessment program OR 48 college credits OR Associate Degree.
Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc., in person and virtually.
Computer Literate.
Ability to learn and use Assistive Technology.
Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.
Ability to respect confidential matters.
Sensitivity to and respect of the problems of children.
Traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
Physical Requirements: Ability to move in and out of an office, classrooms, buildings, and up and down stairs. Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Strength to lift and/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning. Ability to climb stairs, kneel and move easily on and off floor mats.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Preferred.
Prefer prior experience with working with children in a school or similar setting.

Responsibilities

Prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities under the supervision of a certified teacher and in accordance with student IEPs.
Assist the teacher in implementing special strategies and interventions for reinforcing material or skills.
Provide positive and appropriate role models for students and treat them with respect.
Assist in the teaching process and work directly with children to provide class support in academics, social skills, self-care (ADL’s), and vocational tasks.
Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
Use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc., in person and virtually.
Complete onboarding process, including familiarization with and responsibility for implementation of students’ IEPs, district policies and procedures.
Serve as a resource person about the student(s) in communicating with teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
Assist in behavioral interventions and achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
Assist in implementing treatment plans, safety plans, and behavior plans for various students.
Collect data as instructed.
Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, RBT, etc.).
Apply ABA Strategies (training provided).
Execute Discrete Trials, de-escalation techniques, and positive behavioral interventions (training provided).
Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).
Work with individuals and small groups of students to reinforce material, assist with self-help and independence skills, implement remedial and review exercises, aid independent study, help students master instructional tasks, assist in test taking, use instructional technology, and read to students.
Observe and make notes on student performance and behaviors.
Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.
Assist teachers with non-instructional duties such as escorting and supervising student movement, proctoring testing, providing make-up work assistance, and toileting including diaper changing.
Assist in administrative duties of the school, including supervision during breaks, lunches, community trips, covering for absent staff, supervising pupils in corridors, during fire drills and assemblies, assisting students outside regular assignment, and temporary assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties (lunchroom, recess, playground).
Set up and operate instructional and/or assistive technology equipment under the direction of the teacher.
Participate in available professional development activities appropriate to district expectations and ESP job requirements.
Perform other general duties as indicated by the Principal, Director of Special Education, Superintendent of Schools, or their designees and policies of the Haverhill School Committee.