Special Education Paraeducator

Fort Dodge Community School District•Fort Dodge, IA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Paraeducator assists teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education, work and community settings, early learning, and school buses, as assigned. The role supports students’ educational activities, reinforces instruction and behavior strategies, helps implement and monitor Individual Education Plans, and contributes to a safe and orderly learning environment. The position is supervised by the Building Administrator and is classified as a non-exempt paraeducator. The contract is 190 days or as assigned. Work is primarily performed in classrooms and other school settings, including hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, buses, and field trip locations. The role may include outdoor supervision in varying weather and regular exposure to classroom noise and communicable illnesses, as well as occasional exposure to bodily fluids. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting at student-height furniture; responding quickly to student needs and safety concerns; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; and, depending on assignment, physically assisting students with mobility, transfers, and personal care. Compensation is $15.07 per hour, with an additional $0.40 for 60 or more college credits and $0.30 for Para Certification/Sub Authorization. Positions assigned 30 or more hours per week, typically six hours per day, are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance and paid leave.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Ability to engage students with special needs.
Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others.
Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures.
Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers with educational activities.
Help maintain a safe and orderly educational environment.
Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures, and follow students’ behavior management plans.
Supervise students in assigned areas and activities, including lunchroom, recess, halls, classrooms, bus loading and unloading, buses, and community or work settings.
Clarify and reinforce teachers’ instructions and skills taught by the teacher.
Chart or graph student performance and assist students with completing work.
Assist with implementation and monitoring of students’ Individual Education Plans.
Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.
Assist with meal and snack preparation and cleanup as needed.
Assist with cleaning and sanitizing the classroom environment.
Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities as needed, including feeding, toileting, and diapering.
Lift, carry, and correctly position students with physical disabilities; assist students with mobility or transfers as assigned.
Assist with instruction in community settings as required.
Complete Medicaid documentation as necessary.
Implement strategies to maintain or increase appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behavior.
Follow directions from teachers and administrators and maintain confidentiality.
Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Attend work promptly and reliably.
Perform other duties as assigned.