PROGRAM ASST,ESE,CENTER SITES,C

Orange County Public Schools•Pine Hills, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Assistant provides staff support for students with disabilities under the direction of one or more Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers or a supervisor. The position may be assigned to an ESE school program or to one or more general education classes. Depending on the assigned functional program, the assistant monitors student behavior, conducts hearing screenings, maintains records and reports, provides instruction and assistance, and communicates with parents and staff. The assistant works with students individually and in groups as directed by the supervisor. Essential duties vary according to the functional program assignment, and other related work may be assigned.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher, or at least 60 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution; official transcripts are required to validate education.
A minimum of three years of progressively knowledgeable and responsible experience.
Experience working directly with students with significant disabilities and/or severe behavioral disorders may be required.
Demonstrated administrative support skills.
Ability to effectively communicate program goals and objectives.
Must be highly qualified before beginning employment with Orange County Public Schools. A passing third-party paraprofessional certification exam, such as the ParaPro Assessment, may substitute for the education requirement.
Ability to use modern office and computer equipment and related peripherals.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, with decimals and percentages potentially required depending on assignment.
Ability to perform tasks involving some stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and potentially lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing 12–20 pounds.
Depending on program assignment, ability to work in conditions that may involve dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, animals or wildlife, or violence.

Responsibilities

Respond to internal and external customers in a timely, accurate, courteous, and empathetic manner, representing OCPS positively.
Provide assistance and support in the assigned functional program.
Respond professionally to school crisis situations when needed and help reestablish a safe learning environment.
Perform routine to moderately complex administrative support duties, such as maintaining attendance and student records, distributing reports, scoring examinations, filing materials, and answering telephone inquiries.
Monitor students’ activities and behavior to promote their physical and environmental safety and appropriate conduct.
Assist teachers or supervisors with developing and implementing program curricula, including vocational or technical training, examinations, environmental studies, and behavior modification.
Maintain and properly store equipment, supplies, and materials used by the assigned program.
Explain, demonstrate, and teach program content to students, reinforcing skills according to individual needs or supervisor direction.
Conduct program-related recruitment activities, such as engaging potential employers, parents, community agencies, and students.
Assess exceptional students’ skills and employability to 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; teach individuals and groups in accordance with instructional guidelines.
Assist with district-level programs in the ESE department.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with district administrators, school staff, students, parents, community agencies, and community employers, as applicable.
Keep current with job-related technology and attend district-supported training as needed.
Maintain timely and accurate information as part of job responsibilities.
Perform related duties as directed.