SPED Paraprofessional

Logan River Academy•Logan, UT

About The Position

The SPED Paraprofessional helps create a safe, structured school-day environment for students by implementing de-escalation practices and behavioral support strategies. The role provides individual academic assistance and subject-specific support under teacher direction, collects and records behavior data according to student academic plans or behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), and supports student movement between dorms, classrooms, therapy sessions, lunch, and other school locations. The paraprofessional works with students and staff to support emotional and behavioral needs, maintain appropriate boundaries, and contribute to safe and effective Academy operations. The role also includes customer service, collaboration with department staff, support for public relations and referral efforts, participation in performance improvement, and keeping required training and annual in-services current.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Acceptable oral and written communication skills.
Telephone, computer, and face-to-face customer service skills.
Ability to intervene and communicate appropriately with adolescents and maintain appropriate boundaries.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including continuous hand use for grasping and fine manipulation; bending, standing, stooping, or sitting for extended periods; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; pushing or pulling up to 100 pounds; and possible restraint of escalated clients. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree preferred.
Knowledge of human behavior, social interactions, and psychology is useful.
Experience working with students in a school setting is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Implement the school’s positive behavior management plan with fidelity.
Learn and apply behavioral management strategies to support students emotionally and behaviorally.
Implement each student’s behavioral management plan (BIP) and maintain student data records.
Maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment by setting limits with patience and a therapeutic tone.
Provide one-to-one instruction and academic support for students.
Monitor student movement between and during classes, to scheduled therapy sessions, and during lunch.
Obtain and maintain required certifications and/or teacher assistant training.
Give teachers appropriate feedback on student work.
Accept other appropriate responsibilities when needed.
Respond to client or customer requests and questions in a timely manner; listen carefully and clarify needs as needed.
Maintain composure during stressful interactions and keep commitments made to clients or customers.
Collaborate with department staff to improve service delivery and Academy operations.
Understand and support department goals and the organization’s vision, including coordination with other departments and processes.
Support facility public relations, community education, referral development, and the Academy’s safety and security program.
Participate in the internal Performance Improvement program.
Intervene and communicate appropriately with adolescents while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Keep annual in-services up to date.
Help students move from dorms to classrooms each morning and supervise movement to other school locations.