Paraeducator Special Needs Life Skills [XP09]

Laramie County School District 1•Cheyenne, WY

About The Position

Under the direction of a certified teacher, the Paraeducator provides support to students with special education needs in an assigned classroom and in other school settings. The role includes helping students with individual medical and personal needs; practicing and reinforcing learning concepts with individuals or small groups; supporting academic, personal, and behavioral goals; adapting classroom activities, assignments, and materials as directed; collaborating with teachers on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs); monitoring and documenting student activities and behavior; and providing clerical support to teachers and staff. The position supports teachers and students in specialized assistance programs, including PALS, CLAS, behavior intervention, essential skills, life program, progressive/adaptive learning, ADT, EDT, and sign support. The Paraeducator guides students through lessons and personal interactions, follows student schedules and behavior plans, administers classroom work, models appropriate social and daily living skills, and uses appropriate de-escalation and restraint techniques when needed. The role also supports students’ medical and personal care as instructed by a health care professional and following required training. The employee records student progress and behavior, assists with IEP objectives and accommodations, supervises students in classrooms and other settings, helps maintain classroom materials and records, and attends required meetings and training. This is a 9-month work-year position scheduled for 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Pay is $18.32 per hour, spread over 12 months, plus benefits. The position is non-exempt and has no supervisory reports, though it is responsible for supervising students’ behavior and well-being.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
No experience required.
Criminal background check required for hire.
Training on delegated healthcare procedures required within the first 30 days of employment.
English language skills.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal relations skills.
Basic math skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
Ability and willingness to work effectively and compassionately with students with all levels of abilities.
Ability and willingness to meet attendance expectations and follow district absence-reporting procedures.
Ability to promote and follow Board of Trustees policies, District policies, and building and department procedures.
Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
Ability to recognize the importance of workplace safety, follow safety rules and safe work habits, use appropriate or required safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions.
Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals required within two months after hire.
Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment and office productivity programs required within two months after hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children.
Experience working with children with special needs.
Experience working in a healthcare field.
First Aid certification.
Bilingual language skills.
Knowledge of child development stages.
Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals preferred.
Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copiers, and fax machines, preferred.
Operating knowledge of and experience with office productivity programs, such as Microsoft Office Suite and email, preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide students individually or in small groups with lesson assignments and personal interactions to reinforce learning and support academic, personal, and behavioral goals.
Monitor and follow students’ daily schedules and behavior plans; administer tests, homework, and make-up work in support of the teacher.
Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials or make accommodations under the direction of the special education teacher.
Model conversations, manners, active listening, organizational skills, problem-solving strategies, and appropriate everyday interactions to develop students’ social, daily living, and behavioral skills.
Use and support appropriate de-escalation and restraint techniques as needed to maintain a safe environment.
Support students’ individual medical and personal needs as instructed by a health care professional and after required training, including first aid, oxygen and medical assistance, diapering, tube feeding, and toileting as applicable.
Confer with certified teachers about student progress and recordkeeping; document daily activities, behavior, assignments, and on/off-task times; provide feedback and reports; and maintain required files and records.
Collaborate with teachers to implement IEP objectives, observe student progress, implement accommodations or modifications, and attend IEP meetings as requested.
Monitor and supervise students in classrooms and other settings, including playgrounds, field trips, libraries, lunchrooms, and bus loading and unloading.
Implement discipline in accordance with district and building policies to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
Obtain, organize, and maintain classroom materials, equipment, and work areas; assist with copies and other classroom preparation.
Assist other personnel with tasks such as enrollment, records, paperwork, room organization, duplicating, laminating, and correcting papers.
Respond to emergencies, such as injuries or fights, to address immediate safety concerns or direct the situation to appropriate personnel.
Attend meetings and in-service training as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.