26 - Paraprofessional

Pueblo School District 60•Pueblo, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional assists a certified teacher in providing instruction to individuals and small groups of students in Exceptional Student Services, from Pre-K through young adult. The role supports students with disabilities in meeting their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals, monitors and reports educational progress, and helps address students’ physical, health, behavioral, and personal-care needs to support equal educational opportunities. Duties and assignments may vary by building and program, including autism classrooms. The position includes implementing teacher-directed lessons and behavior strategies; assisting with mobility, personal hygiene, health care, and emergency needs; supporting classroom activities and student supervision; and completing related clerical and instructional tasks. The paraprofessional works primarily in a school or office setting and must meet the district’s physical requirements, including passing a lift test. The work year is 158 days, and daily schedules vary according to student and school needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Highly Qualified status under ESSA.
Pass Work Keys or Praxis, or have 48 semester hours of college coursework, or an associate degree.
Reliable transportation.
Obtain and maintain CPR and First-Aid certification within three months of employment.
Obtain and maintain Crisis Preventative Intervention (CPI) training certification within six 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.
Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with others using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Basic knowledge of subjects taught in district schools.
Sound work ethic and an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward children with special needs.
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.

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 assigned classrooms or programs, including Exceptional Student Services programs.
Help students with disabilities meet the goals and objectives in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Communicate with teachers about student progress and assist with implementing IEP goals and objectives.
Implement teacher-directed lesson plans and reinforce instruction with individuals or small groups; monitor student drills, practices, and assignments.
Support classroom-wide and individual behavior strategies, follow behavior intervention plans, and report student performance and behavior.
Assist students with personal hygiene and daily living needs, including washing, toileting, diapering, dressing, grooming, and mealtime assistance.
Assist with student mobility and positioning, and support the safe use of wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, braces, and other equipment.
Operate medical, orthopedic, therapeutic, instructional, audio-visual, and office equipment.
Help load and unload students from automobiles, wheelchairs, and gurneys.
Respond to behavioral emergencies using approved CPI procedures and provide input after incidents as requested.
Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as directed and delegated; follow health and safety procedures.
Perform clerical tasks, including preparing and duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers, recording grades, taking attendance, and maintaining student files.
Set up classroom work areas and displays, distribute and collect materials, and confer with teachers about programs and materials.
Proctor, monitor, and score assignments, tests, and quizzes for interpretation by the teacher.
Help students develop self-help, social, and communication skills.
Notify appropriate personnel and agencies and follow procedures when there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, or potential suicide.
Assist with student supervision in classrooms, lunchrooms, recess, playground activities, and field trips.
Help maintain clean, orderly, and safe classrooms and student facilities.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
Attend required in-service and specialized training and maintain an appropriate professional appearance.
Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher, Principal, or Exceptional Student Services Administration.