Paraprofessional - Special Needs (SNP)

Jefferson Parish Schools•Kenner, LA

About The Position

The Special Needs Paraeducator assists in delivering special education and related services under the supervision of a teacher or other professional responsible for services to exceptional children. The role includes instructional and non-instructional tasks and support for special education students according to the pupil-teacher ratio for the assigned class. The paraeducator may provide specified health maintenance services to multiple students and remains with an assigned student if the student is transferred. The position works in a variety of settings according to students’ program needs, primarily at the home-based school and classroom, as well as in outdoor areas, the community, and occasionally outside the community. Hours are school-based. The role requires supporting students’ instructional, physical, health maintenance, and personal needs, including assistance with mobility and personal care.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education or assessment requirements: an associate degree; 48 hours of approved college courses; or a passing ParaPro Praxis score and a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be physically capable of implementing health maintenance services for medically fragile, chronically ill, and/or terminally ill special education students.
Complete paraprofessional training and any specified training required for assigned chronically ill and/or terminally ill students.
Demonstrate the ability to work successfully with medically fragile, chronically ill, terminally ill, and/or students with severe behavior problems.
Clearly express ideas verbally and in writing using standard English, and describe student behaviors.
Use behavioral data sheets as directed by the teacher.
Understand written and verbal instructions from the master teacher and work independently after receiving instructions.
Make decisions in the teacher’s absence.
Interact positively and empathetically with students and parents, respond positively to supervision, accept suggestions for improvement, and work in group settings with adults and children.
Be able to lift, move, and position students; remain mobile in school and community environments; walk on field trips and other community activities; and position oneself on the floor to perform student activities and personal care tasks.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with children.

Responsibilities

Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce skills and concepts.
Provide instructional leadership when working with a substitute teacher.
Assist with tasks required by a student’s exceptionality, such as diapering, toileting, and feeding.
Use techniques and materials to address individual differences, such as adapting reading materials or recording reading assignments and dictated materials.
Help organize and arrange the classroom and prepare centers, work materials, and listening stations.
Follow school and School Board regulations and policies, and maintain classroom discipline standards.
Attend faculty meetings when requested and participate in pre-service and in-service workshops.
Assist with students’ physical and health maintenance needs after receiving proper training.
Perform physical restraints as demonstrated by a teacher or other professional.
Follow the daily schedule and inform the assigned teacher of administrator-directed schedule changes.
Collect monies, take attendance, and complete absence and illness reports.
Inventory, label, and file materials related to the assignment.
Assist with snack time and students’ personal possessions, and accompany students to locations such as the office, first aid room, and restroom.
Relieve assigned teachers for conferences and emergencies.
Obtain, secure, set up, and operate audiovisual equipment and other instructional materials.
Perform other reasonably related duties as required by the principal.
Monitor students in close proximity as needed, including during school and community activities.
Assist students with positioning, mobility, personal care, and non-complex healthcare procedures.