Para Special Education Visually Impaired (2026-2027 School Year)

Wichita Public School•Bel Aire, MD

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of an administrator and the direction of certificated or licensed staff, the Para Sped Visually Impaired assists teachers in educating students. The work includes instructional assistance, organization, record keeping, student behavior management, classroom safety, and communication with students, support staff, and parents. The position supports students in classroom and school activities, helps them access instruction and integrate into regular education settings, and may assist with transportation and basic or medical care under appropriate supervision. The role also includes supporting students who are visually impaired through use of low-vision and adaptive magnifying equipment, learning or using a slate and stylus, and interlining Braille materials for tests and daily lessons. The employee collaborates with teachers and other staff, observes and documents student progress and behavior, prepares instructional materials, assists with IEP planning, and maintains confidentiality and professional relationships. The position requires physical activity throughout the day, including walking, standing, bending, lifting, and responding to emergencies. Daily in-district travel may be required, with occasional out-of-district travel. The employee must follow USD 259 equipment-use guidelines and assigned work schedules.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Paras working in a Title School must have at least 48 accredited college credits verifiable by transcript or pass a state-approved assessment.
Proficient oral and written communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Extensive knowledge and experience working with students who need intensive services in one or more relevant categorical areas.
Demonstrated proficiency in developing and delivering training to meet the targeted needs of an identified audience.
Extensive knowledge and practice in setting up structured environments.
Professionalism, confidentiality, and the ability to prioritize and organize tasks.
Ability to work with a diverse population, respond to customer needs with tact and diplomacy, and maintain a positive, professional attitude.
Ability to perform a full day of physical activity, including walking long distances, standing for long periods, bending, twisting, balancing, stooping, climbing steps, reaching overhead, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 20 pounds.
Ability to see and hear well, demonstrate good finger dexterity, and react immediately to emergencies, which may involve using physical restraint techniques.
Ability to use a slate and stylus or willingness to learn those skills.
Some positions require in-service, training, or coursework in first aid, symptoms of child abuse, and/or symptoms and signs of illness.
Some positions may require knowledge of sign language modalities, Braille, NCI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention), or other special skills.
Ability to demonstrate typing skills.
Must comply with USD 259 guidelines for equipment use and assigned work schedules.

Responsibilities

Supervise students in classroom settings and school activities as directed by teachers or other staff.
Assist with classroom routines, procedures, setup, instructional activities, and student engagement.
Support behavior plans, redirect behavior, respond to and help defuse crisis situations, document occurrences, and provide feedback.
Assist students to and from assigned areas, buses, and transportation, and help facilitate integration into regular education classrooms.
Assist students with visually impaired access needs, including low-vision and adaptive magnifying equipment, and use or learn to use a slate and stylus.
Interline Braille materials for tests and daily lessons.
Provide individual or group instruction after the teacher's initial instruction and assist students through questioning and discussion.
Evaluate student progress on assignments and share information with teachers.
Assist with instructional planning, IEP planning, test scoring, record keeping, reports, and preparation of instructional materials or learning centers.
Assist with technology integration and use equipment such as SMART boards and iPads, as well as basic office equipment.
Assist students with basic needs, including self-care, hygiene, feeding, toileting, dressing, and physical transfers; assist with medical needs only under direct supervision of the school nurse or another appropriate professional.
Communicate with students, parents, instructional staff, and support staff as directed.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, PLCs, and parent conferences as required.
Complete required annual in-service hours: at least 20 hours annually, reduced to at least 10 hours after three years.
Maintain student and staff confidentiality, professional rapport, appropriate conduct, punctuality, and professional appearance.
Perform additional duties as assigned.