Special Education Paraprofessional (Foley Program)

CAPS Collaborative•Westminster, MA

About The Position

CAPS Collaborative is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic paraprofessional for its Foley Program. The paraprofessional assists classroom teachers in alternative school classrooms serving students with emotional impairments and/or trauma histories, students with autism, and students with significant multiple disabilities, including sensory impairments. The role supports specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities, working regularly with students in small groups and one-to-one to provide the physical and emotional support needed to participate in the educational program. The paraprofessional works under the direction and supervision of teaching staff and collaborates with teachers, behavioral specialists, and other team members. CAPS Collaborative partners with districts to provide high-quality programs and services and to help students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home district.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma required.
Respect and maintain student and family confidentiality.
Cooperate successfully as a team member.
Communicate effectively with team members, including giving and receiving feedback through written and oral communication.
Maintain regular attendance.
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to learn new skills, carry out assignments, and commit the necessary time and effort.
Perform delegated duties with an appropriate level of expertise and take responsibility for professional development.
Be able to demonstrate physical control and restraint positions when physical control is necessary as a last resort due to an individual's dangerous behavior.
Be able to navigate all areas of the school quickly, including indoor and outdoor areas.
Be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with special education populations, including students with emotional impairments and/or trauma histories or students with autism.
ABA or behavioral background.
Associate degree or two years of college.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teacher with academic instruction in a self-contained behavioral classroom serving students with emotional impairments.
Help the classroom teacher set clear and structured limits related to student behavior.
Assist the Behavioral Specialist and/or other staff with physical management to keep dysregulated students safe.
Respond to student behavioral needs according to the direction of the Lead Teacher, BCBA, and student support plan.
Supervise, support, and model vocational opportunities in the community.
Understand and develop team intervention strategies and techniques.
Demonstrate professionalism and an appropriate staff attitude when responding to students.
Assist with preparing classroom materials under teacher direction.
Correct and/or grade student classwork under teacher direction.
Assist staff with supervising transitions, including transitions to class, lunch or recess, bathrooms, offices, and buses.
Assist with supervision of large-group meetings, activities, and field trips.
Maintain records and perform other clerical duties.
In the event of a teacher absence, serve as a substitute classroom teacher; an additional stipend applies.
Act as an appropriate role model to students at all times.
Direct physical education and art classes on an as-needed basis under the supervision of teaching staff.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.