Pathfinder School Secondary Autistic Support Classroom Paraprofessional

Allegheny Intermediate Unit • Pittsburgh, PA

135d • $21,177 - $21,592

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. There are two categories: Center-Based Paraprofessionals and District Paraprofessionals. AIU School-Based Paraprofessionals include Classroom Paraprofessionals, who are assigned to one specific building and a specific classroom within that building, and Building Paraprofessionals, who 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 requires a Certified Pool Operator Exam and Allegheny County Certification and State Pesticide Test, and CPR/First Aid Certification, with training and tests 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, while 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• PATTAN Paraeducator Certificate training will be provided by the employer and must be completed within 90 days of hire.

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.
• Maintains good housekeeping and follows program health guidelines in the classroom and diaper changing areas.
• Updates attendance records and data collection, as programs require under AIU PA Certified Professional direction.
• Assists with feeding of students who are unable to feed themselves.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs reinforcement instructional services as delegated by the PA Certified Professional.
• Follows and implements IEPs under the direction of the AIU PA Certified Professional.
• Attends training as required for performance of job.
• 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.

Benefits

• Per the AIUFT Bargaining Unit Agreement

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED