Paraprofessional - Special Needs (SNP)

Jefferson Parish Schools•Harvey, LA

22h

About The Position

The Special Needs Paraeducator assists with 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 duties and provides support to students within the pupil-teacher ratio for the assigned class exceptionality. The paraeducator may provide assigned health maintenance services to multiple students and remains with an assigned student if the student transfers. The position works in a variety of settings based on students’ program needs. The primary work areas are the home-based school and classroom, including outdoor areas exposed to climate extremes. Work may also take place in the community and occasionally outside the community. Hours are school-based.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet one of the following education or assessment qualifications: an associate degree; 48 hours of approved college courses; or a passing ParaPro Praxis score and a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be physically capable of implementing health maintenance services for students who are medically fragile, chronically ill, and/or terminally ill.
Complete paraprofessional training and assignment-specific training for students who are chronically ill and/or terminally ill, as required by the assignment.
Demonstrate the ability to work successfully with medically fragile, chronically ill, terminally ill, and/or students with severe behavior problems.
Understand written and verbal instructions from the master teacher and work independently after receiving instructions.
Be able to make decisions in the teacher’s absence.
Interact positively and empathetically with students and parents; respond positively to supervision and suggestions for improvement; and work in group settings with adults and children.
Be able to express ideas clearly, describe student behaviors, and write using standard English.

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, including adapting reading materials or taping assignments and dictated materials.
Help organize and arrange the classroom and set up activity centers and listening stations.
Follow school and School Board regulations and policies, and attend faculty meetings when requested.
Assist with students’ physical and health maintenance needs after receiving proper training.
Perform physical restraints as demonstrated by a teacher or other professional.
Attend and participate in pre-service and in-service workshops.
Follow the daily schedule and inform the assigned teacher of administrator-directed schedule changes.
Collect money, 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.
Maintain discipline according to school-system regulations and the assigned teacher’s direction.
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.
Describe student behaviors, communicate clearly in speech and writing, and use behavioral data sheets as instructed by the teacher.
Lift, move, and position students; monitor students in close proximity as needed; participate in walking field trips and other community activities; position oneself on the floor; assist students with dressing and toileting; and perform non-complex healthcare procedures.