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

Wichita Public Schools•Bel Aire, KS

19h•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. Duties include providing instructional assistance; organizing and maintaining records; supporting student behavior management, classroom safety, and communication with students, support staff, and parents; and helping students participate in regular education settings. The role may involve supporting students with visual impairments through Braille materials and low-vision or adaptive magnifying equipment, as well as assisting with student mobility, transportation, basic care, and medical needs under appropriate supervision. The position requires collaboration with teachers and other staff, maintaining confidentiality, supporting student progress and engagement, and completing assigned records and reports. Daily in-district travel may be required, with occasional out-of-district travel. The position is non-exempt. Employees are expected to work assigned scheduled hours unless approved leave is granted and to meet professional dress and appearance standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
For paraprofessionals working in a Title School, at least 48 accredited college credits verifiable by transcript or passage of a state-approved assessment.
Proficient oral and written communication skills.
Effective collaboration, personal relationship, and problem-solving skills.
Experience and extensive knowledge working with students who demonstrate a need for intensive services in one or more categorical areas.
Ability to develop and deliver training to meet the identified audience's needs.
Knowledge and experience setting up structured environments.
Ability to prioritize and organize, complete tasks, and handle situations related to the position's essential functions.
Professionalism, confidentiality, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity to the needs of students, staff, and parents.
Ability to meet professional dress and appearance standards and maintain a positive, responsive approach with internal and external customers.
Typing skills.
Manual dexterity and physical ability and stamina for a full day of physical activity.
Ability to work in various weather conditions and respond immediately to emergencies, which may include using physical restraint techniques.
Ability to walk long distances; stand for long periods; bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps, reach overhead, and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds.
Ability to see and hear well and demonstrate good finger dexterity.
Ability to work assigned hours and obtain prior approval for deviations from assigned hours.
Some positions require in-service, training, or coursework in first aid, child abuse signs and symptoms, and/or signs and symptoms of illness.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of sign language modalities, Braille, NCI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention), or other special skills; some positions may require these skills.
Willingness to learn slate-and-stylus skills.

Responsibilities

Supervise students in classroom settings and during school activities, as directed by teachers or other staff.
Assist with classroom routines, procedures, setup, instructional activities, learning centers, and preparation of instructional materials.
Support behavior interventions and behavior plans; help assess and defuse crisis situations, document occurrences, observe and chart behavior, and provide feedback to teachers.
Assist students with movement to and from assigned areas, integration into regular education classrooms, and transportation, including assistance to and from buses.
Provide individual or group instruction after initial teacher instruction, support student engagement and use of questioning and discussion, and provide feedback to students and teachers.
Assist students in using low-vision and adaptive magnifying equipment and integrate classroom technology; use or learn to use a slate and stylus and interline Braille materials for tests and daily lessons.
Evaluate student progress on work assignments and share information with the teacher; assist with scoring tests, keeping records, and preparing required reports.
Assist teachers in designing and planning instruction and following through on instructional plans; assist with planning for Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Communicate with students, parents, instructional staff, and support staff by letter, phone, email, fax, or personal contact as directed.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student and staff information; model appropriate behavior and maintain professional relationships with students, parents, teachers, and staff.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, PLCs, and parent conferences as required; acquire required annual in-service hours.
Assist students with basic needs, including self-care, hygiene, feeding (which may include tube feeding), toileting, diapering, dressing, physical transfers, and medical needs under direct supervision of the school nurse or another appropriate professional.
Assist with additional duties as assigned and comply with district equipment-use guidelines.