Paraprofessional, Direct Services - ED

Minot Public Schools•Minot, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under basic supervision, provides students with special needs individual and classroom support to help them attain educational goals and assists Minot Public School (MPS) teachers in maintaining a positive learning and socialization environment. The position supports students with profound and complex physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities, including students with special physical needs and emotional disturbances. Duties vary according to assignment and are performed within the scope of authority and in compliance with MPS policies. The role includes supervising, instructing, and monitoring students; assisting with educational programs, specialized direct services, assignments, learning tasks, self-help skills, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); and supporting individual and small-group learning and behavioral interventions. The paraprofessional helps students improve academic, behavioral, and socialization skills; communicates pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality; and completes required reports and record-keeping. Work is performed in MPS schools and facilities and involves sustained attention to activity in the surrounding environment. The employee may be required to physically restrain students who are at risk of harming themselves or others.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and one year of experience working with children; or high school diploma and Paraprofessional certification from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Paraprofessional certification from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is required.
Must pass a thorough background investigation.
Knowledge of MPS policies and procedures and classroom procedures and processes.
Knowledge of methods and techniques for assisting with reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.
Knowledge of personal computers and specialized educational software applications.
Knowledge of record-keeping and file-maintenance principles and procedures.
Knowledge of safety rules, occupational hazards, and safety precautions in public facilities.
Skill in monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills, assisting children and students with special needs, and assessing educational needs.
Ability to maintain composure and work effectively in classroom and school facility environments.
Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with students using patience, understanding, and care.
Ability to assist students in improving learning, behavior, and socialization skills.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid training is preferred.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training and certification may be required for some incumbents.
A valid North Dakota State Driver’s License may be required.

Responsibilities

Assist students with special needs in classrooms through educational programs, specialized direct services, special assignments, and individual support.
Assist teachers as requested and help maintain a positive learning and socialization environment.
Work with students with profound physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities, including assisting students with physical needs and emotional disturbances to participate 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 student behavior, guide students to stay on task during work and play, and alert teachers to special behavioral or learning issues.
Assist students with learning tasks, self-help skills, and IEPs.
Assist with developing individual learning plans, lesson plans, and plans for special events; help prepare, develop, and distribute classroom materials.
Monitor and document student behavior and special issues; complete and submit required written reports daily; 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 for 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; follow compliance rules governing child abuse.
Perform related duties as required or assigned.