BSDC – Para Educator

State of Nebraska•Beatrice, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC), the Para Educator helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, gain confidence, and work toward individual goals. The role leads classroom activities, supports individualized learning plans, and collaborates with a dedicated team to create opportunities for student growth and success. The starting wage is $18.115, plus an additional $3 for every hour worked. The position supports individualized education program (IEP) goals and learning objectives through instruction, modeling, coaching, positive reinforcement, and adapted teaching strategies. It also involves helping develop and update lesson plans and individualized program plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT), monitoring student progress, coaching BSDC staff, preparing learning materials, maintaining documentation, and helping students apply skills in different settings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field such as psychology, sociology, special education, counseling, human development, education, or speech communication, and experience working with and applying treatment and habilitation programs for persons with intellectual or other developmental disabilities and/or mental illness.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and related behaviors.
Knowledge of active treatment, individual rights, and behavior modification principles.
Knowledge of human behavior, group dynamics, and training and curriculum development.
Knowledge of academic, vocational, social, recreational, and treatment activities.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and composition.
Skill in coaching and demonstrating techniques to coworkers and individuals served.
Skill in identifying individual strengths and needs.
Skill in problem-solving, time management, and organization.
Skill in communicating clearly and listening effectively.
Ability to learn and apply applicable state, federal, and Medicaid standards, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to read and interpret instructions, manuals, and other documents.
Ability to prepare reports and develop effective habilitation and treatment plans.
Ability to evaluate progress and promote individual independence and skill development.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Ability to monitor and analyze documents.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field is preferred.
Candidates with three or more years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities may be considered in place of a degree.
Experience with individualized support plans, behavior management, skill development, active treatment, and promoting independence is beneficial.
Strong communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and documentation skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Organize and lead classroom activities that support students' individualized education program (IEP) goals and learning objectives.
Teach students new skills, encourage independence, and monitor progress toward individual learning and developmental goals.
Assist with developing, implementing, and updating lesson plans and individualized program plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
Use instruction, modeling, coaching, and positive reinforcement to support student learning and skill development.
Observe student behavior, participation, and progress to help identify strengths, needs, and opportunities for growth.
Adapt teaching strategies, classroom activities, and learning environments to meet individual student needs and encourage participation and inclusion.
Coach and model effective instructional techniques for BSDC staff to promote consistent support and learning opportunities for students.
Collaborate with teachers, facility staff, and other IDT members to coordinate educational activities and support student goals.
Prepare classroom materials, organize learning environments, and maintain documentation related to student progress and program activities.
Help students apply learned skills across different settings to promote independence and successful participation in daily activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.