Paraprofessional

Integrity Educational Services • Grand Rapids, MI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Integrity Educational Services is seeking a Full-Time Paraprofessional to serve at Lighthouse Academy the Pier, a Kent County adult correctional facility. In this role, the candidate will assist young adults in earning their high school diploma by facilitating Edgenuity online learning alongside the teacher of record. Integrity Educational Services (IES) is the non-profit educational service provider for Lighthouse Academy. Joining the IES team means caring about the students, believing in their potential for success, aligning with the organization's mission and vision, and committing to its values: Respect, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Persistence, Growth Mindset, Teamwork/Collaboration, and Excellence. This position offers an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of underserved youth within a growing, values-driven team.

Requirements

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an Associate’s Degree (or higher).
• Experience working with youth and/or families.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, parents, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to do simple computations, calculate percentages, and use a calculator.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to apply verbal de-escalation skills as part of crisis intervention.
• Ability to work as a part of a team.
• Knowledge of Google and/or Microsoft applications and/or willingness to learn needed computer skills specific to this position.
• Must participate in and complete annual training, Professional Development, and various other training as deemed appropriate for position.
• Must pass criminal history records search, physical and drug screen, if required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in an educational setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in monitoring and helping students complete their lessons, projects, and other goals.
• Participate in the student goal writing and review process with other staff, the student, their family, and other community members, as applicable (e.g., PO officers, etc).
• Assist the teacher and therapist in planning the school day’s schedule and process the day and help close up the classroom after the school day ends.
• Give creative input to school projects/lessons that will effectively teach students.
• Assist the teacher to address students’ needs individually, in small groups, or with the entire group.
• Teach to multiple learning styles of the students.
• Apply discipline procedures set by policy and/or school administration, as needed.
• Identify and implement incentives and motivation enhancement approaches with the students to encourage positive behavior and academic achievement.
• Be detail-oriented and organized, for example, grade papers, track student progress, think ahead to the needs of the students and classroom, etc.
• Be self-motivated and independent in completion of responsibilities, while providing and receiving input from the other team members.
• Attend school related activities including, but not limited to field trips, family dinners, school-related events with students/families, conferences, and parent conferences.
• Participate in group supervision with the principal.
• Participate in weekly team meetings with all school staff.
• Report on education issues, provide advocacy and support, and communicate with outside agencies, as appropriate in order to coordinate the educational program and needs of the student.
• Participate in in-services, trainings and retreats, as expected, including but not limited to non-physical crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation, etc.
• Monitor classroom, enabling teacher to make school contacts and/or do lesson plans.
• Meet attendance and timeliness expectations.
• May, in the absence of the teacher, periodically help the substitute teacher facilitate or coordinate the lesson that the regularly assigned teacher provides OR may act as a substitute teacher if is qualified to do so.
• Proctor testing.
• Assist with coverage during arrival, passing time, and dismissal from school.
• Perform all other duties, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree