Paraprofessional, Special Needs

Vail Unified School District • Tucson, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional, Special Needs provides assistance to teachers in preparing materials, working with and supervising students, and delivering individualized instruction or adapting classroom curriculum to students’ skills. The role supports students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) through academic, social, functional, behavioral, and life-skills activities. Work is performed in a school environment and may include supporting students on campus and off campus during activities such as field trips, assemblies, and playground periods. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The posting lists 6.5 hours per day and 191 days per year.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• One to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively with students, parents, and organization employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students who have speech and language disabilities.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent; and draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form and address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Upon recommendation for hire, must present certification in First Aid and CPR training.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Implement daily lesson plans, including academic, social, and functional activities identified in the IEP.
• Organize and prepare instructional materials for students.
• Provide individual or group instruction based on lesson plans.
• Maintain records and files for assigned students.
• Evaluate IEP goal attainment formally and informally.
• Assist the classroom teacher as time and conditions permit.
• Design, implement, and enforce behavior management plans.
• Provide assigned students with physical assistance as needed during school activities, on or off campus.
• Provide individualized life-skills assistance described in the IEP, such as toileting and feeding.
• Use proper techniques for handling, lifting, and carrying students.
• Assist with physical, occupational, speech, and other therapy as instructed and described in the IEP.
• Maintain student confidentiality while informing the teacher and principal of important aspects of student activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED