Special Education Paraprofessional (Foley Program)

CAPS Collaborative•Westminster, MA

3d•$20 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

CAPS Collaborative is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic paraprofessional to assist classroom teachers in alternative school classrooms serving students with emotional impairments and/or trauma histories, as well as students with autism. The paraprofessional supports a certified teacher in providing specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities for students with significant multiple disabilities, including sensory impairments. The role involves working regularly with students in small groups and one-to-one to provide the physical and emotional support they need to participate in and benefit from the educational program. The paraprofessional works in a self-contained behavioral classroom, assisting with academic instruction, student behavior and safety, transitions, vocational opportunities, classroom preparation, and student supervision. The position also includes recordkeeping and clerical duties, and may require acting as a substitute classroom teacher during a teacher’s absence, for which an additional stipend applies. CAPS Collaborative partners with districts to provide quality programs and services and support students’ transitions to the least restrictive environment in their home school district. Its stated organizational values include exceptional educational opportunities, responsiveness to district needs, quality, integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability, and cost-effective decision-making.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
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 and carry out assignments with the necessary time and effort.
Perform delegated duties at an appropriate level of expertise and take responsibility for professional development.
High school diploma required.
Able to demonstrate physical control and restraint positions when physical control is necessary as a last resort due to dangerous behavior.
Able to navigate all areas of the school quickly, including indoor and outdoor areas.
Able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with emotional impairments, trauma histories, or autism is preferred.
ABA or behavioral background is a plus.
Associate degree or two years of college is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teacher with academic instruction in a self-contained behavioral classroom serving students with emotional impairments.
Assist the classroom teacher in setting clear and structured limits related to student behavior.
Assist the Behavioral Specialist and/or other staff in using physical management to keep dysregulated students safe.
Respond to student behavioral needs as directed by 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.
Maintain a professional and effective attitude when responding to students.
Prepare classroom materials under teacher direction.
Correct and/or grade student classwork under teacher direction.
Assist staff in supervising transitions.
Supervise students during transitions to classes, lunch or recess, bathrooms, offices, and buses.
Assist staff in supervising large-group meetings, activities, and field trips.
Perform recordkeeping and other clerical duties.
Act as a substitute classroom teacher in the event of teacher absence; an additional stipend applies.
Serve as an appropriate role model to students at all times.
Under teaching staff supervision, direct physical education and art classes as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.