26 - Paraprofessional

Pueblo School District 60•Pueblo, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional assists certified teachers in providing instruction and support to students in Exceptional Student Services, from pre-K through young adulthood. The role helps students work toward the goals and objectives in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), monitors and reports educational progress, supports student behavior and safety, and attends to students’ physical, health, and personal-care needs. The position includes attendant physical duties intended to help students with disabilities access equal educational opportunities. The position is assigned to a classroom or program and works under the direction of a certified teacher. Duties and schedules may vary according to building assignments and student and school needs. The employee works primarily in a school or office environment and may encounter fast-paced conditions, frequent interruptions, challenging student behavior, and potential exposure to blood, other body fluids, and communicable diseases.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Highly Qualified status under ESSA.
Meet one of the following: pass the Work Keys or Praxis test, complete 48 semester hours of college coursework, or hold an associate degree.
Reliable transportation.
Obtain and maintain CPR and First-Aid certification within 3 months of employment.
Obtain and maintain Crisis Preventative Intervention (CPI) training certification within 6 months of employment.
Ability to pass the District-designated post-offer lift test.
Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check and receive clearance from the Office of Human Resources.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
At least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly carrying 26–60 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 75 pounds, rarely lifting up to 100 pounds, and pushing or pulling up to 150 pounds as needed.
Ability to perform the listed essential duties, including standing, walking, sitting, using hands, and occasionally reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

Nice To Haves

Verified First Aid training and recertification card.
Verified CPR training and recertification card.
Previous school district experience.

Responsibilities

Assist a certified teacher in providing instruction to students in an assigned classroom or program, including Exceptional Student Services programs.
Support students with disabilities in meeting the goals and objectives of their IEPs, and communicate with teachers about progress and implementation of IEP goals.
Implement teacher-directed lesson plans and reinforce instruction with individuals or small groups; monitor drills, practices, and assignments.
Assist with class-wide and individual behavior strategies, follow behavior intervention plans, monitor student behavior, and report student progress and behavior.
Provide personal care, including assistance with washing, toileting, diapering, dressing, grooming, and other hygiene activities.
Assist with student mobility and positioning, including the use of wheelchairs, braces, medical equipment, and other orthopedic equipment; assist with loading and unloading students from vehicles, wheelchairs, and gurneys.
Operate medical, orthopedic, exercise, therapeutic, instructional, audio-visual, and office equipment.
Provide basic first aid and delegated specialized health care as needed; follow health and safety practices and procedures.
Respond to emergencies, including incidents involving aggressive or uncontrolled behavior, according to approved CPI procedures and training; provide requested input and documentation following incidents.
Perform clerical tasks such as preparing and duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers, recording grades, taking attendance, and maintaining student files.
Set up work areas and displays, operate audio-visual equipment, distribute and collect materials, and confer with teachers about programs and materials for student needs.
Proctor, monitor, and score assignments, tests, and quizzes for teacher interpretation.
Help students develop self-help, social, and communication skills; assist with lunchroom activities, mealtime procedures, feeding, and cleanup.
Notify appropriate personnel and agencies and follow established procedures when there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, or potential suicide.
Supervise students in and outside the classroom, including at recess and on field trips; support physical needs, maintain discipline, and reinforce learning.
Keep classrooms and other student facilities neat, clean, orderly, and safe.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information and maintain an appropriate professional appearance.
Attend in-service, structured, and specialized training related to student behavioral and educational needs, behavior management, instructional curriculum, and related topics.
Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher, Principal, or Exceptional Student Services Administration.