Special Education Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

DEFINITION

Under generalsupervision, provides instruction and assists with supervision of assigned student(s) with severe learning, emotional, behavioral, and/or physicaldisabilities to assist classroom teachers in implementing student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs); observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; performs functions in support of classroom activities; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives generalsupervision from assigned Site Administrator and generaldirection from the Director of SpecialEducation. Exercises no supervision of staff. Receives functionaldirection from assigned classroom teacher.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ø Works with student(s) with learning, emotional, and/or behavioralneeds to monitor behavior and assists in providing behavior change techniques and supports; assists student(s) to meet Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals by working on and implementing behavioraland educationalplans; assists student(s) to participate in classroom activities as needed by using appropriate prompt levels including visualsupports; redirects and modifies problematic and disruptive behavior and cues replacement behavior; learns and implements behavior support plans; uses positive approaches for keeping student(s) on task; teaches, cues, and reinforces pro-social, student-like behaviors, as well as replacement behaviors identified in the behavior support plan.

Ø Observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; communicates student’s learning needs to the case manager or teacher; collaborates on strategies, accommodations, and activities to address student needs; provides summary of behavioraldata for input into IEP meetings; may attend IEP meetings for the student upon staff request.

Ø Establishes rapport and effective relationships with assigned student(s) and staff within the classroom.

Ø Utilizes a variety of positive strategies to assist in managing student behaviors in the classroom and other school and community settings; assists with conflict resolution; facilitates and supports socialinteractions and fosters development of positive relationships between students with disabilities and their non-disabled classmates; facilitates student independence by systematically fading prompts based on student needs and identifying and referring the student to the normally occurring cues within the classroom to which the student should respond; may provide specific Applied Behavior Analyticalteaching strategies given specific training for doing so; contributes to the identification of student re-inforcers.

Ø Works with and provides instruction to assigned student(s) in various subject matter areas to reinforce class lessons, implement IEP, improve skill levels, test preparation, and in completing class and homework assignments; works with assigned student(s) on academic and/or functionalinstructionalactivities using structured lesson plans, exercises, and other approved strategies; supervises and monitors students during classroom and recreationalactivities.

Ø Assists in administration of student testing progress monitoring, including preparing materials, and administering and scoring test; monitors progress towards goals; prints monitoring report for student files.

Ø May supervise students during class activities including lunch breaks, field trips, community activities, and on the playground; accompanies students to restrooms, bus stops, offices, and other school locations as needed.

Ø With teacher guidance and direction, prepares educationalmaterials and homework packets.

Ø Corrects and records tests, papers, and homework assignments.

Ø Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment to ensure the health and safety of students.

Ø Reads and follows health plan and seizure protocols for assigned student(s).

Ø Performs clerical duties in support of assigned student(s).

Ø Functions as a vocalrole model to students by encouraging response to direction and self-calming strategies that demonstrate appropriate socialskills development.

Ø Maintains confidentiality of student’s records and behaviors; communicates with staff when boundaries are being violated.

Ø Attends a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.

Ø Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Ø Methods and practices of child guidance, especially as they relate to severely emotionally, mentally and/or physically disabled special education students.

Ø Methods and practices of behavior change techniques and supports and the implementation of behavior intervention plans and IEPs.

Ø General subject matter areas, including mathematics, science, social studies, grammar, spelling, language, writing, and reading.

Ø Methods, practices, and techniques of improving student learning through specialized structured lesson plans, teaching techniques, and instructional materials.

Ø Safety principles and practices.

Ø Computer equipment and applications related to assigned work.

Ø Basic principles of record keeping and file maintenance.

Ø English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Ø Effective practices in dealing with parents/guardians, students, and District staff.

Ability to:

Ø Use behavior change techniques and supports including modeling and methods to decrease disruptive and problematic behavior while encouraging positive sociallearning.

Ø Support and engage students in positive learning in a classroom or other learning environments.

Ø Recognize individual student learning needs and adapt materials and homework assignments to facilitate learning.

Ø Learn and assist in applying individualgoaloriented student instructionalplans.

Ø Learn and understand the organization and operation of the worksite/District as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

Ø Assist with supervision of student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.

Ø Perform clericalwork with accuracy in support of the assigned student(s).

Ø Learn worksite/District first aid procedures.

Ø Assist with medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner and physically handling students who present a danger to other students, staff, and him/herself.

Ø Maintain assigned work area in a clean, safe, and secure manner.

Ø Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ø Operate computer equipment and software programs.

Ø Organize work and meet criticaltime deadlines.

Ø Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Ø Adapt to changing work priorities; communicate with diverse groups; foster positive relationships; maintain confidentiality; work as part of a team; exhibit tact, patience, kindness, and a positive attitude.

Ø Implement crisis de-escalation strategies.

Education and Experience:

Ø Completion of at least 48 semester units of study at an accredited institution of higher education; OR

Ø Possession of an Associated Degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education; OR

Ø Demonstration of a rigorous standard of quality through a state or localassessment including knowledge of and the ability to assist in instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics; AND

Ø Training or equivalent experience in the implementation of industry standard behavioral change techniques and support strategies.

Licenses and Certifications:

Ø Current American Red Cross First Aid Certificate or equivalent and CPR Certificate preferred.

\nCompany Description

The Alameda Unified School District is committed to upholding our community’s core values of equity and excellence for every student by providing inclusive and safe conditions for learning that challenge and support every student to be culturally competent and prepared for college, career, and community participation. Our vision is that each and every child is compassionate, confident, and feels successful, academically prepared, and able to make meaningful, positive impact in their lives, the lives of others, and the world around them. We are a diverse community of seventeen (17) schools serving approximately 9000 students ranging from Preschool to Adult Learners. Our students represent many cultures and ethnic groups, with 72 languages spoken by students. Approximately 14% of our students are English Language Learners; 12% receive Special Education Services; and 29% are Socioeconomically Disadvantaged. Our student population is comprised of 7% African American, 27% Asian, 16% Hispanic, 30% White, and 12% Two or more races. Equity Imperative The Alameda Unified School District believes that inequities exist within our current educational system. Our African American and Latinx students are underserved and it is our responsibility at Alameda Unified School District to provide equitable educational opportunities for them and all students. A diverse workforce matters and is beneficial to all of our students. With this ideal in mind, our goal is to find the best candidates suited to uphold our community’s core values of equity and excellence for every student. For more information about the Alameda Unified School District, please visit: https://www.alamedaunified.org

Company Description

The Alameda Unified School District is committed to upholding our community’s core values of equity and excellence for every student by providing inclusive and safe conditions for learning that challenge and support every student to be culturally competent and prepared for college, career, and community participation. Our vision is that each and every child is compassionate, confident, and feels successful, academically prepared, and able to make meaningful, positive impact in their lives, the lives of others, and the world around them. We are a diverse community of seventeen (17) schools serving approximately 9000 students ranging from Preschool to Adult Learners. Our students represent many cultures and ethnic groups, with 72 languages spoken by students. Approximately 14% of our students are English Language Learners; 12% receive Special Education Services; and 29% are Socioeconomically Disadvantaged. Our student population is comprised of 7% African American, 27% Asian, 16% Hispanic, 30% White, and 12% Two or more races. Equity Imperative The Alameda Unified School District believes that inequities exist within our current educational system. Our African American and Latinx students are underserved and it is our responsibility at Alameda Unified School District to provide equitable educational opportunities for them and all students. A diverse workforce matters and is beneficial to all of our students. With this ideal in mind, our goal is to find the best candidates suited to uphold our community’s core values of equity and excellence for every student. For more information about the Alameda Unified School District, please visit: https://www.alamedaunified.org