Paraprofessional – Special Education Adult Support - Job #258

Sierra Vista Unified School District • Carmichael, AZ

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Sierra Vista Unified School District is seeking a Paraprofessional to provide direct support to students with disabilities in an academic setting. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher and building Administrator, the Paraprofessional assists with IEP-related services to support students’ learning, inclusion, safety, and progress toward their highest potential.

The role may involve supporting students individually or in small groups, helping with classroom activities and behavior plans, modifying assignments, and assisting with activities of daily living. Depending on student needs and assignments, the Paraprofessional may also perform medical tasks under the direction or instruction of licensed medical providers. The position is based in an indoor school and classroom environment, with possible outdoor work during student activities. It is a 9-month position working 6.6 hours per day.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• An associate degree, 60 college credits, or a State/Local ParaPro Assessment test is required.
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Ability to obtain a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Ability to participate in the District's Medicaid program.
• Knowledge of accepted behavior-management techniques and practices for working with people with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Interpersonal and problem-solving skills to address challenges related to special education services.
• Knowledge of basic first-aid methods, including CPR, and specialized equipment used to support children with special needs.
• Ability to operate computer equipment for email, word processing, data management, and other assigned tasks.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to solve practical problems and handle varied situations.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in working with students with disabilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents, and community members.
• Ability to maintain student and parent confidentiality and follow applicable laws, district procedures, Board policies, and mandatory reporting procedures.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, sit, stand, walk, stoop, and bend as required for student learning and safety.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing 50 to 75 pounds, and lift or assist students as necessary.
• Manual dexterity to operate equipment needed for the position; ability to read correspondence and computer screens and use a telephone.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with youth.
• Knowledge, skill, or experience implementing Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), or willingness to receive training in those strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students with disabilities for IEP-related services under the supervision of the classroom teacher and building Administrator.
• Assist students with classroom activities to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement, and progress toward IEP objectives.
• Accompany and assist students throughout the school day as necessitated by their IEPs, and monitor behavior plans.
• Work one-on-one and in small groups with students on specific needs.
• Assist with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, maintain a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students on task.
• Assist the teacher in modifying student assignments as needed.
• Assist and train students in activities of daily living as needed, including diapering or toileting, feeding, hygiene, dressing, and mobility.
• Learn and apply basic course content and the educational goals and objectives for each assigned student.
• Perform assigned medical tasks under the direction or instruction of licensed medical providers, such as nurses, which may include catheterization, tracheostomy-tube care, and gastric-tube feeding.
• Follow applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing assistance to students.
• Use the District Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program faithfully at the building level.
• Maintain student and parent confidentiality and comply with applicable laws, district procedures, Board policies, and mandatory reporting procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and reports, monitor students, and secure student cooperation as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package with health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options available at 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