Sunrise School Autistic Support Classroom Paraprofessional

Allegheny Intermediate Unit Career Site•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

A Paraprofessional’s role is to increase the quality of instruction to students by performing any instructional or non-instructional tasks required, under the supervision of a certified professional (teacher, therapist, principal, and supervisor). Paraprofessionals are not responsible for the design, direction or evaluation of the teaching/learning process. Two categories: (1) Center-Based Paraprofessionals (2) District Paraprofessionals PEI Paraprofessional At-Large may provide 1:1 support to eligible young children in early childhood settings (e.g., preschool, Head Start, childcare), may cover in a PEI classroom, or provide CCAT support. The 189-day calendar is flexible and will be designed based on the needs of the children serving. AIU School-Based Paraprofessionals Classroom Paraprofessionals: are assigned to one specific building and a specific classroom within that building Building Paraprofessionals: can be placed in up to 3 specific assignments per semester Building Professionals At Large: can be placed in any assignment within a specific building on a daily basis Itinerant Paraprofessionals: can be assigned to one of the three AIU operated schools each day and are assigned responsibilities by the principal each morning. In the event there is not a need in that building that day, the principal can assign them to an alternate AIU operated school for a day or extended assignment as needed. Pool Paraprofessional At-Large: A Certified Pool Operator Exam and Allegheny County Certification and State Pesticide Test, and CPR/First Aid Certification are required. The training and tests will be provided by the AIU. District Paraprofessionals: Include all Paraprofessionals employed in other locations, including school district classrooms, Preschool Early Intervention and Speech/Language classrooms. Classroom Paraprofessionals: are assigned to one specific classroom Paraprofessional At-Large: can be assigned to another one of the AIU operated classrooms in the building or alternative location for a day or extended assignment as needed All Paraprofessionals follow the same duties prescribed in this job description.

Requirements

High School diploma required. (PATTAN Paraeducator Certificate training will be provided by the employer and must be completed within 90 days of hire)
Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR clearances are required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
School Personnel Health Record and TB Test (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or equivalent number of college credits (60) or a PATTAN Paraeducator Certificate preferred.
1-2 years’ experience working with children with special needs strongly preferred.
Training in crisis intervention, CPR and First Aid preferred.
Ability to work as part of the educational team
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
Ability to prioritize identified needs of students by following directives of classroom teachers, staff and peers, as well as the goals of the IEP

Responsibilities

Assists children to and from the bus at arrival and departure times when program and types of children warrant.
Facilitates personal care services as needed to assist students with activities of daily living necessary for comfort and well-being, including toileting of children.
Prepares and operates instructional equipment and materials including, but not limited to: audio/visual equipment, iPad, Smartboard, Xerox copies, lamination, computer documents/printing, visual aids, artwork, etc., as directed by the teacher and/or therapist.
Assures that all possible measures are taken to assist a child in the event of an emergency until help arrives. This includes notifying the immediate supervisor and/or supervising administrator immediately.
Maintains good housekeeping and follows program health guidelines in the classroom and diaper changing areas. This includes proper storage of materials, supplies and equipment; cleaning chalkboards, tables and chairs as needed; placing desks, tables and chairs in proper order, etc.
Updates attendance records and data collection, as programs require under AIU PA Certified Professional direction, handles and maintains confidentiality as it pertains to special education.
Assists with feeding of students who are unable to feed themselves. In addition, may collect lunch/snack money, submit lunch count information and supervise students in the cafeteria as needed.
Assists students in the use of teaching devices, such as assistive technology devices and computers, and other equipment used for individualized instruction.
Participates in parent/teacher conferences and IEP conferences, as requested.
Interacts and assists in the supervision of students during work- instructed assignments, play activities, and emergency drills according to the standards and policies of the program, in all environments throughout the school day, while under the direct supervision of the AIU PA Certified Professional and/or Administration.
Performs reinforcement instructional services as delegated by the PA Certified Professional, including, (but not limited to), reinforcing activities in the visual, auditory, motor and cognitive areas.
Follows and implements IEPs (including behavioral intervention plans) under the direction of the AIU PA Certified Professional, follows and reinforces the behavioral management system in place and assists the teacher with students who may need physical intervention using accepted procedures (NCI or any other AIU approved procedures).
Attends training as required for performance of job. This may include but is not limited to NCI, CPR, First Aid, Confidentiality, Universal Precautions and various diagnoses.
Accompanies the teacher and students on field trips or community-based instruction during the school day.
Performs other educationally related duties assigned by the teacher and/or Administration.