Special Education Paraeducator II - Santa Barbara Junior High

Santa Barbara USD•Santa Barbara, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Santa Barbara Unified School District is hiring two Special Education Paraeducators II to support Extensive Support Needs students at Santa Barbara Junior High School. The role assists a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction for individual students or small groups in general education, special education, or community program settings. The position is six hours per day, nine months per year, with a typical shift of 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. when school is in session. It is full-time and non-exempt, and is eligible for Language Services premium pay. The paraeducator supports students’ academic, behavioral, communication, social, independent-living, and self-help skills. The role also includes assisting with personal care and hygiene, including catheterization, feeding, toileting, dressing, washing, suctioning, and grooming, as well as supporting physical therapy, positioning, and motor-skill development as directed. The paraeducator follows health and safety procedures, maintains student confidentiality, and collaborates with certificated teachers and other staff. The position reports to a school site principal or other certificated administrator. Work takes place indoors and may include outdoor activities or field trips. Students may exhibit unpredictable or hostile behaviors, and the role may require strenuous physical activity, including lifting more than 75 pounds, transferring students in wheelchairs, and running or brisk walking to prevent elopement.

Requirements

High school graduation.
At least one year of experience in an instructional setting.
Valid CPR certification; the certificate must be obtained within six months of employment and maintained as required by the issuing entity.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification; certification must be earned within six months of employment.
Meet the ESSA Paraeducator requirement by completing one of the following: the SBUSD Paraeducator Math/Language Arts Assessment, the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), two years of college (48 semester units), or an associate degree or higher.
Knowledge of core K–12 subjects, basic instructional strategies, student learning styles or modalities, and instructional techniques appropriate for students with disabilities.
Knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques, including attendance, grades, and test scores.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff, establish cooperative relationships with parents or specialists, and work with students individually or in small groups.
Ability to exercise patience with students who have emotional problems or difficulty communicating, and to manage students who act out verbally or physically.
Ability to operate office and instructional equipment, including PC or Mac computers, MS Office, Google Suite, computer workstations, and iPads.
Ability to supervise students, follow established disciplinary and safety practices, and read, interpret, apply, and explain school or district rules, policies, and procedures.
Ability to use appropriate English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; understand and follow verbal and written directions; work independently with minimal supervision; meet schedules and timelines; and collaborate with others.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including lifting in excess of 75 pounds, transferring students in wheelchairs, and running or brisk walking to prevent student elopement.

Responsibilities

Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction for individual or small groups of students in general education, special education, or community program settings.
Monitor and oversee student drills, practices, and assignments in academic subjects.
Implement behavior modification and intervention strategies as directed, and collect data or work samples as directed by the teacher.
Support students in developing independent-living, communication, social, and self-help skills; assist with physical therapy, positioning, and motor-skill development as directed.
Help students complete classroom assignments and homework projects, and assist with administering and monitoring tests as required.
Answer student questions, provide examples and emotional support, and reinforce understanding of classroom rules and procedures.
Read to students and support reading, pronunciation, word recognition, spelling, and writing activities as directed.
Assist students with personal hygiene and care, including catheterization, feeding, toileting, dressing, washing, suctioning, or grooming.
Follow health and safety practices, and refer injured or ill students to appropriate staff.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information, and maintain punctual and consistent attendance.
Participate in staff, Professional Learning Community, or in-service meetings as directed.
Perform related duties as assigned.