Paraeducator - Special Education

Oxnard School District • Oxnard, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Paraeducator provides instructional support to individual students and small groups in subject-matter areas, reinforcing lessons for students receiving special education services. The role may include assisting speech therapists, supporting students with specialized behavioral and health needs, providing personal care, and working one-on-one with students who have learning, emotional, physical, or behavioral disabilities. Paraeducators may also support small- and whole-group instruction in collaboration with special education or general education teachers, prepare classroom materials, and complete related paperwork.

The position follows teacher direction and students’ IEP goals, objectives, treatment plans, and protocols. Duties can include helping students with academic skills and personal care; monitoring and reporting on behavior and performance; assisting with mobility, transportation, and specialized health care; preparing and maintaining instructional materials and records; and helping maintain a safe, clean learning environment. Some assignments may involve bilingual communication or interpretation, including travel for the Infant Program. The role may require CPR and First Aid.

Positions are typically 5.75 hours per day and 183 days per year. The recruitment establishes an eligibility list that may be used to fill vacancies for up to one year, and immediate substitute needs may also be filled through this recruitment. The schedule follows students’ school calendars, with non-work days during summer, winter, and spring breaks.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• For paraprofessionals working in a Title I-supported program, meet one of the following: complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester units or 60 quarter units); attain an Associate of Arts degree or higher; or pass a Personnel Commission examination demonstrating the knowledge and ability to assist with instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license, as required by the individual assignment or position.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a CPR and First Aid certificate, as required by the individual assignment or position.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience working with school-age children with special needs in an organized educational, health, childcare, or other structured setting.
• Bilingual certification or demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in English and/or Spanish, as required by the individual assignment or position.

Responsibilities

• Reinforce classroom instruction and provide support to individual students and small groups as directed by a teacher.
• Implement students’ IEP goals and objectives and follow associated treatment plans and protocols under teacher direction.
• Help students develop academic skills and reinforce instruction in reading, spelling, mathematics, social studies, and other subjects.
• Assist students with specialized needs, including personal care, health care, hygiene, toileting, diapering, dressing, bathing, and grooming.
• Observe and support student behavior in and outside the classroom according to approved procedures, and report student progress and behavior to teachers.
• Provide students with appropriate examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude, and general guidance.
• Assist with lifting, positioning, and moving students using wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment, ensuring assistance is provided safely.
• Assist students to and from buses and activities on the school site.
• As trained and assigned, provide specialized health care such as suctioning, gastrostomy tube feeding, catheterization, colostomy or ileostomy care, oxygen administration and monitoring, and emergency care.
• Help students and teachers use instructional software and related peripherals.
• Prepare instructional materials, set up work areas and displays, and operate educational equipment as needed.
• Confer with teachers about programs and materials that meet students’ needs.
• Follow health and safety rules, perform general cleanup, and help maintain a clean and orderly learning environment.
• Perform clerical work such as preparing instructional materials, administering and recording tests, taking roll, and maintaining student profiles and other requested records.
• Maintain confidential student records and files.
• For Infant Program assignments, travel to and interpret for non-English-speaking parents or family members as needed.
• For bilingual-designated positions, translate written materials between English and a second language and interpret or facilitate communication among staff, students, and parents.
• Perform CPR and First Aid as required, and carry out related duties and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Professional Growth Awards Program.
• Up to 16 paid holidays.
• Minimum of 6 vacation days.
• Retirement security through a CalPERS pension.
• School-calendar schedule with non-work days during summer, winter, and spring breaks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED