Paraprofessional – Special Education Lead

Sierra Vista Unified School District • Carmichael, AZ

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Located in beautiful southeast Arizona, Sierra Vista Unified School District is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team! This position involves assisting a teacher in providing instructional tasks, routine record-keeping, and overall guidance of activities for students with disabilities to help them reach their highest potential within the academic setting. The role includes overseeing a classroom with a certified teacher available for consultation, assisting students in maximizing inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives, and aiding in lesson planning and modification of assignments. The paraprofessional will also help with classroom behavioral management, record-keeping, and organizing student activities. They should be knowledgeable of basic course content and educational goals, and may assist students with daily living activities such as diapering, feeding, hygiene, dressing, and mobility, while following all applicable safety rules. This position operates under the supervision of a teacher and reports to the Principal or Site Administrator.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• An Associate's Degree or 60 college credits or State/Local ParaPro Assessment test required
• Ability to obtain a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Proof of required immunizations; negative TB Test (Preschool only)
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Ability to participate in the District's Medicaid program
• Knowledge of accepted behavior management techniques and practices working with persons with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to follow written and/or verbal instructions.
• Ability to demonstrate interpersonal and problem-solving skills to address challenges related to special education services.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports, to monitor students, work with and secure the cooperation of students.
• Knowledge of specialized equipment used in the aid of children with special needs.
• Ability to operate computer equipment for email communications, word processing, data management, and other assigned tasks as related to the position.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for working with students with disabilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with youth preferred

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the (virtual or in-person) teacher, assist the teacher in providing instructional tasks, routine record-keeping, and overall guidance of activities for students with disabilities so they may reach their highest potential within the academic setting.
• Oversee a classroom of students with a certified teacher available for consultation.
• Assist students in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Assist in lesson planning for the day's activity.
• Assist in identifying areas of need related to the program.
• Assist the teacher in modifying student assignments as needed.
• Assist with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assist with record-keeping procedures to maintain required records and files, including student data.
• Assist students with organizing activities, scheduling events, processing paperwork, and other related activities.
• Be knowledgeable of the basic course content for students; and, the educational goals and objectives.
• May assist and train students in activities of daily living as needed, including diapering/toileting, feeding, hygiene, dressing, and mobility.
• Follow all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students.
• Utilize, with fidelity, the District Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program at the building level.
• Understand and maintain students' and parents' rights to confidentiality and not violate those rights; nor discuss students in inappropriate places or with anyone not in direct contact with such individual students.
• Ensure information obtained through the course of duties associated with this position, is held in the highest of confidentiality.
• Perform all duties in accordance with Federal and State laws, district procedures, and Board policies; including mandatory reporting procedures.

Benefits

• health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options available at an additional cost to employees
• paid leave
• paid holidays
• paid life insurance
• equal contribution to the Arizona State Retirement plan

What This Job Offers

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