Special Education Paraprofessional (McCaul School)

CAPS Collaborative•Leominster, MA

5d•$20 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

CAPS Collaborative is seeking dynamic and enthusiastic paraprofessionals to support students with multiple disabilities, medical fragility, and/or moderate to severe disabilities, including autism. The paraprofessional assists a certified teacher in providing specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities. The role involves working regularly with students in small groups and one-to-one to provide academic and emotional support that enables them to participate and learn. The position supports students' individualized learning and intensive special needs, including instruction, data collection, therapy carryover, self-care, daily living activities, and mobility. The paraprofessional works collaboratively with students, staff, and other team members and helps students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home district. Experience with these student populations is preferred, and an ABA or behavioral background is a plus.

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 orally and in writing, including giving and receiving feedback.
Maintain regular attendance.
Be flexible and willing to learn new skills and put in the time and effort required for assignments.
Perform delegated duties at the appropriate level of expertise and assume responsibility for professional development.
Possess excellent reading, writing, and mathematical skills.
Be capable of making sound judgments and decisions and dealing with people in a variety of situations.
Be able to walk and move throughout the classroom and school; stoop, bend, squat, and kneel for extended periods; reach, grasp, and handle objects using the upper extremities; and navigate indoor and outdoor school areas quickly.
Be able to assist with student positioning, lifting, carrying, and wheelchair movement, including the listed student weights and lift arrangements.
Be able to physically handle students weighing 20–200 pounds alone during an emergency situation if required.
Be able to demonstrate physical control and restraint positions when necessary as a last resort.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with multiple disabilities, medical fragility, or moderate to severe disabilities, including autism.
ABA or behavioral background.
Associate degree or two years of college.

Responsibilities

Carry out instructional programs to meet individual student learning needs.
Implement and model interventions and instruction designed for students with intensive special needs.
Collect data as instructed by the lead teacher.
Advocate for students' needs.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, and team members, including giving and receiving feedback.
Provide individual and small-group instruction throughout the classroom and school environment.
Assist students with positioning and mobility, including using positioning equipment and moving students between standing and floor levels.
Change diapers and dress or redress students throughout the day.
Put on and remove student equipment, including body jackets, AFOs, Swash braces, and splints.
Carry out therapy carryover skills with students.
Assist students with self-care and activities of daily living as needed.
Use universal precautions and manage exposure to body fluids and provide stoma and trachea care as needed.
Lift and carry objects and classroom equipment; reposition and move students; and push or pull students in wheelchairs on flat surfaces and inclines.
Assist ambulatory students with visual impairments or unsteady movement.
Demonstrate physical control and restraint positions when physical control is necessary as a last resort due to dangerous behavior.
Maintain student and family confidentiality and regular attendance.
Perform delegated duties, take responsibility for professional development, and work cooperatively as a team member.