Paraprofessional Part-Time (Reg, 10-month)

Southeastern University•Lakeland, FL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional assists with services at Pathways School of Excellence and supports students’ care and well-being. The role works under the general supervision of supervisors and teachers. Performance is evaluated through observation and periodic conferences, critiques, records, and reports. The position reports to the Assistant Principal and has no supervisory responsibility. The position is based at the Lakeland Main Campus and follows a part-time, 10-month schedule: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Summer break is unpaid. Local field trips may be required. The role is considered essential personnel during emergencies, and employees may be required to report to or remain at work during emergency situations. Employees transferring into the position or newly hired employees undergo a 90-day probationary period for learning and evaluation. The role involves working with students with disabilities, including students who may need one-on-one support, assistance with personal care and mobility, or de-escalation during crises. Physical demands and working conditions may include frequent standing, walking, reaching, grasping, lifting and carrying students or objects, pushing and pulling mobility equipment, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and fine finger tasks. The role may involve noisy classrooms, infection exposure, assisting with mobility devices, and physical assistance or intervention during transfers or student incidents.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience working with students with disabilities.
Ability to understand written and oral instructions.
Ability to speak and write coherently, keep records, and prepare simple reports.
Professionalism when working with students, faculty, staff, and outside agencies or stakeholders.
Ability to work in small groups with students and support the classroom teacher with instruction.
Ability to work with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the public.
Interest in working with children and individuals with special needs.
Physical ability to sit, stand, and walk with students around campus.
Ability to lift, carry, move, or position objects; the description notes lifting and carrying students or objects may reach 50 pounds or more and pushing mobility equipment may require up to 90 pounds.
Ability to perform physical tasks that may include standing, walking, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and fine finger tasks.
Ability to assist students using mobility equipment such as walkers, tricycles, and standers, and to physically assist students during transfers or interventions when needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Education, ESE, Childhood Education, or a related field.
Some college experience.
Professional development coursework related to exceptional student education.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teacher with duties related to classroom instruction.
Perform clerical duties as needed for record keeping and reporting.
Assist students with bathroom needs and use behavior strategies to teach hygiene and bathroom skills.
Use de-escalation strategies to support students in crisis who display physical aggression.
Provide one-on-one assistance to students with moderate to severe disabilities.
Assist with elopement behaviors.
Consult with tutors, volunteers, and therapists and provide training about students’ needs.
Assist students with daily living skills, including eating, changing clothes, and movement during transition times.
Assist students with mobility equipment and provide support during transfers as needed.
Attend local field trips if required.
Follow assigned safety procedures and report unsafe conditions, near misses, and work-related injuries.