Paraeducator, Special Education (0.8 FTE) - Horace Mann (2026-27)

Oakland Unified School District•Oakland, CA

1d•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 helps children meet the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), attends to students' physical and health needs, and monitors and reports student progress. This position also performs various clerical and supportive duties related to classroom activities and management. It is distinguished by its primary responsibility for attendant physical duties, assisting with basic health needs, and supporting the creation and maintenance of engaging academic environments for students with disabilities. This role may serve as a step towards professional development as an Instructional Support Specialist or a certificated position.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with children of various age levels in a classroom setting and experience attending to students with physical needs.

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.