Substitute: Para-Educator Eligibility Pool (2026-27)

Oakland Unified School District•Oakland, CA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, this role assists a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in an assigned educational program. The Para-Educator assists children with meeting the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), attends to the physical and health needs of students, and monitors and reports student progress regarding educational performance. This role also performs a variety of clerical and supportive duties related to classroom activities and management. This position is distinguished by its primary responsibility for attendant physical duties to enable students with disabilities to have equal educational opportunities, assisting with basic health needs, and helping the classroom teacher create and maintain engaging academic environments. This position may serve as a step towards further professional development opportunities.

Requirements

High School Diploma & 48 college units OR High School Diploma & ParaProfessional Test (ParaPro or CODESP)
Complete application for this position (including 2 references)
Successfully complete an interview with a member of the Substitute Office or Recruitment team
Negative TB test current within past 60 days
Sealed copies of all college transcripts
Valid Driver's License, ID card, Permanent Residency Card or current US passport
Social Security Card (no copies)
All hires are contingent on applicant passing criminal background check.
Knowledge of special needs, issues, and requirements of special education students
Knowledge of Common Core Standards, Content Standards, District Curriculum, Response to Intervention, Full Service Community Schools
Knowledge of positive reinforcement systems and behavioral strategies to maintain safe learning environments
Knowledge of the 13 disability categories outlined in California Education Code and how they affect students’ ability to access education
Knowledge of utilization of various forms of assessment to guide and design instruction
Knowledge of basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics
Knowledge of methods, techniques and procedures for lifting and moving children incapable of providing assistance
Knowledge of the special needs of students who have behavioral, and/or learning disabilities
Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices
Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities
Knowledge of instructional methods and techniques
Knowledge of effective pedagogy for ethnic populations, English, and Standard English Learners
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and District codes, regulations, policies and procedures governing work scope
Knowledge of planning, organization and coordination needed for assigned program
Knowledge of diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students
Knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques
Knowledge of classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
Knowledge of safe contact with bodily fluids, blood-borne pathogens, and communicable diseases
Knowledge of effective student management techniques
Knowledge of technology and computer software applications relative to instruction, administration, and education
Knowledge of accepted record keeping and reporting methods and strategies
Knowledge of operation of office, instructional and audio-visual equipment
Ability to assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment
Ability to reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately
Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing
Ability to assist students with disabilities in areas related to activities of daily function, such as feeding, toileting, exercises, and positioning
Ability to reinforce instruction to students with disabilities, communication, and behavioral problems
Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards children with special needs
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions
Ability to learn the procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties
Ability to remain calm and exercise judgment in dealing with emergencies and special health needs
Ability to gather data and prepare reports, as directed
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students, school personnel, parents, co-workers, and the public
Ability to work independently with appropriate direction and follow established policies and practices
Ability to work confidentially and with discretion
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
Ability to supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and procedures
Ability to learn and use technology and computer software applications as appropriate to the work environment
Ability to use tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with people, and discretion in handling of confidential records
Ability to understand and be sensitive to those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Ability to use initiative and judgment in discussing problems involving practices and policies with the public and District staff
Ability to read, understand, interpret, and follow laws, rules, regulations, processes, policies, and methods of the office, the District, and the State of California in accordance with assigned duties
Ability to qualify for a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate
Ability to apply integrity and trust in all situations
A high school diploma or equivalent AND a) an Associate of Arts degree or higher, or b) 48 or more college units, or c) a passing score on a test (CBEST, ParaPro or CODESP) and relevant training or course work in child growth and development, instructional technology or closely related field.
One year of experience working with children of various age levels in a classroom setting and experience attending to students with physical needs preferred.
Possess and maintain a valid First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate.
Willingness to complete at least 15 hours of additional training as required to perform the duties of the job; including, without limitation, annual training describing the duties as mandated reporters of child abuse.
Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

Proficient and effective communication using a signing system such as American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgeon Signed English (PSE), Manually Coded English (MCE) and facial expressions appropriate to student’s level of understanding (for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Para-Educator).
Ability to read and demonstrate Braille (for Visual Impairment Para-Educator).
Ability to operate supportive equipment, including without limitation, audio devices; Braille printer computer, tactile and Braille production equipment, and copiers (for Visual Impairment Para-Educator).
Ability to assist students with moving through the school environment and, where appropriate, use of a cane (for Visual Impairment Para-Educator).

Responsibilities

Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students (in Pre-K through Young Adult) in an assigned classroom or program including, but not limited to Special Day Class (SDC) or other programs; assist students with disabilities to meet the goals and objectives included in their IEP.
Read IEP goals to support instruction to maximize student progress when trained by appropriate staff.
Communicate with teachers and/or parents as may be required to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Implement classwide and individual behavior strategies to effectively maintain a safe learning environment when trained by appropriate staff, when needed.
Communicate professionally with other staff and parents, both written and verbal, to provide seamless and transparent communication between all parties.
Implement, under direction of teacher, lesson plans; assist individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards.
Assist students with washing, toileting (may include lifting on and off toilet), diapering, dressing and undressing, grooming and other activities necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and neatness.
Assist with the transportation of students; position and reposition students requiring the use of medical equipment, wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment; make minor adjustments on lifting and other equipment as necessary; assure the safe use and operation of wheelchairs, prosthetic devices and other equipment.
Assist with the loading and unloading of students on and from buses, automobiles, wheelchairs, stretchers and gurneys.
May volunteer, on an annual basis, to be trained to administer Diastat and will administer Diastat as needed.
May also volunteer to perform medical procedures when trained and supervised by appropriate staff.
Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as needed and directed.
Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
Assist the teacher in monitoring, motivating and training students with disabilities; observe and manage behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; follow the behavior intervention plan.
Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers and recording grades; assist in keeping attendance; prepare and maintain student files as assigned.
Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, operating audio-visual equipment, and distributing and collecting papers, supplies and materials; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
Administer, monitor and score a variety of tests and assignments to comply with established test criteria and provide a reliable testing environment; rephrase materials and explain instructions and words.
Assist students in developing self-help, social and communication skills as assigned.
Notify immediately appropriate personnel and agencies, and follow established procedures when there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions or potential suicide.
Assist in monitoring lunchroom activities and mealtime procedures, including feeding and cleaning.
Assist in carrying out positive reinforcement procedures and reactive strategies identified in a behavior support plan, such as prompting student to switch to functionally equivalent replacement behavior and debriefing during the school day.
Respond to emergency situations to ensure immediate resolution and appropriate documentation of safety concerns by appropriate personnel.
Assist with the supervision of students in and outside the classroom, recess and other playground activities and accompany students on field trips by helping students with physical needs, maintain discipline and reinforcing learning situations.
Operate a variety of office, instructional and audio-visual equipment as assigned; provide technical assistance in the operation and maintenance of specialized instructional equipment as assigned.
Maintain basic knowledge of computers including Microsoft Office.
Assist with data collection; take data on goals and determine when a student has reached a benchmark to ensure continued and ongoing student progress when trained by appropriate staff.
Work as part of a team of professionals for the betterment of the special education programs and site as a whole.
Help keep classrooms and other school facilities neat, clean, orderly and safe.
Direct group activities of students.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
Adhere to site and department codes of conduct.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development and attend various in-service meetings to acquire and/or convey information relative to job functions to support and maintain an effective educational environment.
Perform related duties as assigned.