Paraprofessional, Direct Services - General Education

Minot Public Schools•Minot, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under basic supervision, provides students with special needs a variety of individual and classroom support to help them attain educational goals. Assists Minot Public School (MPS) teachers in maintaining a positive learning and socialization environment. Works with students with profound and complex physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities, including supporting their participation and interactions in group educational settings. Duties vary by assignment and are performed within the employee’s authority and in compliance with MPS policies. The role includes supervising, instructing, and monitoring students; helping with learning tasks, self-help skills, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); supporting individual and small-group learning and behavior interventions; preparing classroom materials; documenting student issues; and assisting with clerical and record-keeping duties. Employees must maintain confidentiality, follow child-abuse compliance requirements, and demonstrate courteous, cooperative conduct with students, visitors, and District staff. Work takes place in MPS schools and facilities and involves working with children.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and one year of experience working with children; or a high school diploma and North Dakota Department of Public Instruction paraprofessional certification; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Must pass a thorough background investigation.
Paraprofessional certification from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is required.
Knowledge of MPS policies and procedures, classroom procedures and processes, instructional methods for reading, writing, and mathematics, personal computers and educational software, record keeping and file maintenance, and safety rules and precautions.
Skill in monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills; assisting children and students with special needs and assessing educational needs; maintaining composure in classroom and school settings; interacting tactfully and patiently with students; following instructions and procedures; establishing cooperative working relationships; and communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
A valid North Dakota State Driver’s License may be required.
Must be prepared to begin work at the assigned location on the specified days and hours and maintain regular attendance.
May be required to physically restrain students if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid training is preferred.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training and certification may be required for some incumbents.

Responsibilities

Assist students with disabilities in classrooms through educational programs, specialized direct services, assignments, and individual support.
Assist teachers as requested and help maintain a positive learning and socialization environment.
Support students with physical needs and emotional disturbances in functioning and interacting in group educational settings.
Supervise, instruct, and monitor students; conduct exercises and communicate with students to support learning objectives through individual assistance and small-group sessions.
Encourage appropriate behavior and help students stay on task during work and play activities; alert teachers to special behavioral or learning issues.
Assist students with learning tasks, self-help skills, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Assist with developing individual learning plans, class lesson plans, and special-event plans; help plan, prepare, develop, and distribute classroom materials.
Monitor and document student behavior and special issues; complete and submit required daily written reports.
Assist with clerical duties and record keeping as needed.
Communicate pertinent information to students and staff while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
Assist with individual and small-group interventions to improve student behavior.
Enforce MPS policies and rules of conduct; report behavior issues, disciplinary incidents, and other concerns to a teacher or principal.
Supervise students to verify compliance with MPS policies.
Help students improve science, math, and language skills, as well as social skills.
Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and District staff.
Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and District information, and follow compliance rules governing child abuse.
Perform related duties as required or assigned.