Paraprofessional Special Education

Haverhill Public Schools•Haverhill, MA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS is seeking a full-time Paraprofessional Special Education to join their team at GREENLEAF ACADEMY. This position is for the 2024-2025 school year and involves supporting students with special needs under the supervision of a certified teacher. The role requires preparing for classroom instructional events, assisting in implementing special strategies and interventions, and providing positive role models for students. The paraprofessional will work directly with children to support academics, social skills, self-care, and vocational tasks, reinforcing skill development and community integration. They will also assist with behavior management, utilize online platforms for instruction, and complete onboarding processes. The position involves data collection, teamwork with specialists like BCBA and RBT, and applying ABA strategies. Specific duties include assisting with toileting and lifting students with disabilities as per their IEPs. The role also supports teachers with non-instructional duties such as supervising student movement, proctoring tests, and assisting in administrative tasks like lunchroom and playground supervision. Participation in professional development is expected.

Requirements

Passing score on the Para Pro Test or other state-approved assessment program or 48 college credits or Associate Degree
Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff
Ability to move in and out of an office, classrooms, buildings, and up and down stairs.
Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
Strength to lift and/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning.
Ability to climb stairs, kneel, and move easily on and off floor mats.
Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others; ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect for the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
Computer Literate
Ability to learn and use Assistive Technology
Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc. In Person and Virtually

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Preferred
Prefer prior experience with working with children in a school or similar setting

Responsibilities

Prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities under the supervision of a certified teacher and in accordance with the student’s IEP.
Assist the teacher in implementing special strategies and interventions developed by the teacher for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with respect as individual members of the community.
Assist in the teaching process and work directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics, social skills, self-care (ADLs), and vocational tasks.
Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc. In Person and Virtually.
Completion of the Onboarding Process including familiarization with and responsibility for implementation of students ‘IEP, district policies, and procedures.
Serve as a resource person for the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
Assist in behavioral interventions/able to achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
Assist in implementing treatment plans, safety plans behavior plans, etc. for various students in order to create a successful learning experience.
Data Collection as instructed.
Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, RBT, etc.).
Be able to apply ABA Strategies (training provided).
Execute Discrete Trials, de-escalation techniques, positive behavioral interventions (training provided).
Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).
Work with individuals and small groups of students to reinforce material, assist with self-help and independence skills, implement remedial and review exercises, aid independent study, help students master instructional tasks, assist in test taking, use of instructional technology, and reading to students.
Observe and make notes of the observation on performance and behaviors.
Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.
Assist teachers with non-instructional duties, such as escorting and supervising the movement of students throughout the school, proctoring testing and providing make-up work assistance, and toileting, including diaper changing.
Assist in the administrative duties of the school during normal school hours, including supervision/monitoring of students during breaks, lunches, community trips, and other times as assigned/necessary, including covering for absent members of the teaching staff.
Supervise pupils passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
Assist students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
Perform temporary assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties (lunchroom, recess, and playground duties will be assigned).
Set up and operate instructional and/or assistive technology equipment under the direction of the teacher.
Participate in available professional development activities appropriate to district expectations and to the ESP job requirements.
Responsible for other general duties as indicated by the Principal, the Director of Special Education, and the Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designees and policies of the Haverhill School Committee.