PROGRAM ASST,ESE,C

Orange County Public Schools•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The position provides staff support for students with disabilities under the direction of one or more Exceptional Student Education teachers or a supervisor. The role may be assigned to an ESE school program or to one or more general education classes. Depending on the assigned functional program, duties include monitoring student behavior, conducting hearing screenings, maintaining records and reports, providing instruction and assistance, and communicating with parents and staff. The position works with students individually and in groups as directed by the assigned supervisor, performs duties according to the program of assignment, and carries out related work as directed. The role also provides administrative and program support, helps teachers or supervisors implement and evaluate instruction, maintains program materials and equipment, and supports student skill development and, where applicable, job-placement and transition activities. The position requires timely, courteous communication with internal and external customers, accurate recordkeeping, and keeping current with technology used by OCPS. Minimum training and experience: an associate’s degree or higher, or at least 60 semester hours from an accredited institution, plus at least three years of progressively knowledgeable and responsible experience. The position may require direct work with students with significant disabilities or severe behavioral disorders. A passing third-party paraprofessional certification exam, such as the ParaPro Assessment, may substitute for the education requirement. Applicants must be highly qualified before starting employment.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher, or at least 60 semester hours from an accredited institution; official transcripts are required to validate education.
At least three years of progressively knowledgeable and responsible experience.
A passing third-party paraprofessional certification exam, such as the ParaPro Assessment, may substitute for the education requirement.
Must be highly qualified before the start of employment with Orange County Public Schools.
May require experience working directly with students with significant disabilities and/or severe behavioral disorders.
Demonstrated administrative support skills.
Ability to effectively communicate program goals and objectives.
Ability to use modern office and computer equipment and related peripherals.

Responsibilities

Provide assistance and support in the assigned functional program.
Respond to internal and external customers in a timely, accurate, courteous, and empathetic manner.
May respond professionally to school crisis situations and assist in reestablishing a safe learning environment.
Perform administrative support duties such as maintaining attendance and student records, printing and distributing reports, scoring examinations, filing materials, and answering telephone inquiries.
Monitor student activities and behavior to support physical and environmental safety and appropriate conduct.
Assist teachers or supervisors with developing and implementing program curricula and activities.
Maintain and properly store program equipment, supplies, and materials.
Explain, model, and teach program-related skills, reinforcing them according to student needs or supervisor direction.
Conduct recruitment activities applicable to the assigned program, including outreach to employers, parents, community agencies, and students.
Assess exceptional students’ skills and employability, identify job-placement potential, and assist with job-placement coordination and transition.
Assist teachers or supervisors in checking and objectively evaluating student performance or progress, and teach students individually or in groups.
Assist with district-level ESE department programs.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with district administrators, school staff, students, parents, community agencies, and community employers.
Keep current with job-appropriate technology and attend district-supported training as needed.
Maintain timely and accurate information related to job responsibilities.
Perform related duties as directed.