Position
Special Education Para Professional – Extended Resource Room/ PREP Program
Category
Classified
Department
Para Professional
Location
Schools
Reports to
Principal
Summary:
To work under the direction of the classroom teacher or principal in achieving the educational goals and objectives of all qualifying students through individual, small group, or whole group instruction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepare and organize materials for small group and individual instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher
Provide tutorial help to students following lessons prescribed by the teacher and reinforce material and skills using a variety of methods as directed by certified staff
Provide immediate feedback on student performance
Respond to students’ questions and requests for assistance
Observe students’ work and study habits
Observe and record students’ time on task when needed
Assist students in locating prescribed instructional and functional materials and starting their assignments
Assist the classroom teacher in the delivery of an effective instructional program
Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material and skills introduced by the teacher
Help students master equipment or functional materials assigned by teacher
Provide individualized instruction activities using materials and sequences selected by the classroom teacher
Assist in identifying pupil needs and supporting instruction appropriate to those needs
Follow modifications and accommodations as specified in Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Accompany the student in and around the building and community as needed
Establish a supportive relationship with the students to provide a positive experience
Serves as a resource person to the special education team as needed
Provide assistance with personal care of students as needed
Assist in the collection of daily data for federal programming requirements
Assist in teaching classroom and community rules and encourage students to set and maintain standards of behavior
Alert the supervising teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student as needed
Keep the supervising teacher informed of activities and any issues that may arise
Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
Keep accurate records and maintain individual records for each student as directed by the teacher
Attend faculty meetings as required
Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development
Seek assistance should emergencies arise
Represent the school district in a positive manner
Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Qualification Requirements
To perform job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
High school diploma or GED required
Must meet Para Professional requirements
Bachelors degree or
32 core academic credits from an accredited university (with a passing grade of “C” or better)
Pass the Para Pro assessment with a score of 460 or higher
Para Professional experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Demonstrate aptitude for working with adolescents
Works well with students, staff, and the public
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Able to work under pressures and deadlines
Able to work as part of a team
Able to work with students who have behavior needs
Maintain confidentiality of staff and students
Maintain high academic standards and expectations
Communication Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to read, analyze and interpret governmental regulations and legal documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees and/or the general public. Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is preferred.
Problem Solving Skills
Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
Productivity/Efficiency Skills
Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within an established time frame.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to conduct basic math functions, as well as manipulate formulas in spreadsheets.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Other Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheets (Excel), database (Access), presentation software and accounting/financial software.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; walk, stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; very good depth perception; and the ability to communicate through speech. May be required to block or redirect students during negative behavior. May be required to engage in physical restraint of a student in crisis situations.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside and occasionally meets deadlines with severe time constraints.
Terms of Employment
162 day calendar assignment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Nampa School District #131 is an equal opportunity employer/educator with an alcohol, drug and tobacco free environment, and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. The information contained in this job posting is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. The employment relationship with the District is of an “at will” nature, which means that the Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the Employee at any time with or without cause.