Alternative Education Paraprofessional

Dodge City Unified School District 443; Dodge City (KS); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Dodge City Unified School District 443 is seeking a paraprofessional to assist certified staff in areas such as reinforcing classroom instruction and supporting diverse student needs. Responsibilities include guiding students in subjects, managing individual and group learning aids, and providing support for students with special needs.

This position requires 48 college credits or Paraprofessional Certification, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate with staff and students. The role offers a starting pay of $14.69 per hour.

Qualifications

• Assist certified staff with students to meet instructional goals.
• Ability to guide and support students in various subjects.
• Knowledge of classroom management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in reinforcing educational material.
• Supervise students during various non-instructional activities.
• Document student learning and performance.

Skills

Ability to follow instructions

Arithmetic skills

PC and software proficiency

Effective communication

Supportive relationship building

Education

High School diploma

48 college credits or Paraprofessional Certification

Tools

Personal computers

Copiers

Job description

Location

Dodge City Public Schools - Alternative Education

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Starting Pay Range

$14.69

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record‑keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non‑instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non‑instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distributes educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Requirements

You must have 48 college credits or State of Kansas Paraprofessional Certification to qualify for this position! If you do not have 48 college credits, the parapro assessment is available through the Human Resources Office. If you are interested in taking the parapro assessment, please contact the Human Resources Office at 620-371-1004 for more information.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• High School diploma required and 48 credit hours from an accredited college, university or technical school or Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment; Commitment to continue career improvement; The ability to keep information confidential; The ability to follow written or spoken instructions without close supervision; Clerical and/or tutorial skills required; basic administrative skills helpful on limited basis.