Paraprofessional, Special Needs

Vail Unified School District•Corona de Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Paraprofessional, Special Needs provides assistance to teachers in preparing materials, working with and supervising students, and providing individualized instruction and classroom curriculum adaptations according to students’ skills. The role supports students’ academic, social, and functional activities in accordance with their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), including physical and life-skills assistance and support with therapy activities. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The schedule is 7.5 hours per day for 191 days per year.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively with students, parents, and organization employees.
Ability to communicate effectively with students who have speech and language disabilities.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rates, ratios, and percentages; and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Upon recommendation for hire, must present certification in First Aid and CPR training.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including regularly lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Implement daily lesson plans, including academic, social, and functional activities specified in the IEP.
Organize and prepare instructional materials for students.
Provide individual or group instruction based on lesson plans.
Maintain records and files for assigned students.
Evaluate IEP goal attainment formally and informally.
Assist the classroom teacher as time and conditions permit.
Design, implement, and enforce behavior management plans.
Provide assigned students with physical assistance as needed during school activities, on or off campus.
Provide individualized life-skills assistance specified in the IEP, such as toileting and feeding.
Use proper techniques when handling, lifting, and carrying students.
Assist with physical, occupational, speech, and other therapy activities as instructed and described in the IEP.
Maintain student confidentiality while informing the teacher and principal about important aspects of student activities.