Applied Skills Special Education Paraprofessional (Porter Lakes Elementary)

Porter Township School Corporation; Town of Porter (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Porter Township School Corporation in Porter, IN is seeking a SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL to assist certified teachers and support students with disabilities in the classroom.

Responsibilities include implementing lesson plans, managing student behavior, assisting with instructional activities, preparing materials, and maintaining accurate records under supervision. The role requires reliability, communication, and a commitment to a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Meets health requirements and passes background checks.
• Compliance with district policies and drug-free workplace rules.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with special needs under supervision of a licensed teacher.
• Carry out substitute teacher plans as needed.
• Provide instructional support and tutoring.
• Maintain student attendance/records and assist with classroom operations.
• Communicate with staff and parents as appropriate.

Skills

Professionalism

Time management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Porter Township School Corporation

Job Description

Title: SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL

Reports to: Principal / Teacher

Job Responsibilities:

• Carries out the absent teacher’s prepared lesson plans. Note: During a prolonged absence as defined by board policy, the substitute is responsible for performing all essential functions identified in the absent teacher’s job description.
• May be assigned to any building in the school district based on need
• Classroom Aide
• Student Remediation and tutoring
• Provides instructional services when needed
• Works closely with staff
• Assists teacher in all facets of classroom operations
• Uses computer to prepare and process information

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Keeps current with technology and other workplace innovations that support job functions.

Essential Functions:

• Assists students with special needs under the direction of a certified teacher.
• Cares for student physical / emotional health and safety.
• Applied skills classroom paraprofessionals may be required to assist with feeding, toileting / changing, and all other requirements included in a student IEP.
• Works with students who maybe aggressive and disruptive.
• Consults with the principal and/or staff to resolve questions and/or concerns.
• Assists teacher in all facets of classroom operations
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures. Promotes a professional image of the school corporation. Encourages community partnerships that enhance school programs.
• Promotes effective communications and assistance. Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address questions/concerns.
• Refers policy interpretation inquiries to administrative staff.
• Reviews emergency procedures (e.g., weather, emergency, lockdown, etc.). Complies with building work schedules/hours.
• Works cooperatively with other teachers.
• Maintains accurate student attendance/absence records for covered assignments.
• Varies instructional techniques to address diverse learning styles.
• Helps students take full advantage of the learning environment (e.g., use of instructional/media resources, access/proximity to activities, etc.).
• Communicates expectations, provides guidance, and shows an active interest in student progress.
• Facilitates self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, creativity, and performance skills.
• Upholds the student conduct code. Implements effective pupil management procedures. Maintains a positive learning environment. Helps parents/students understand academic objectives, behavioral standards, and performance expectations.
• Collaborates with other staff. Shares knowledge and resources that enhance student learning.
• Consults with support personnel to address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at‑risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Supports an inclusive educational environment. Provides opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in appropriate learning activities.
• Maintains accurate records and submits reports on time.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, notes, meetings, etc.).
• Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Promotes the proper use, care, and security of school property. Ensures that program supplies/equipment are properly stored.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety. Monitors situations that may indicate a problem. Provides appropriate student supervision. Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Supervises non-classroom activities when assigned.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Encourages parent organizations and supports school-sponsored activities.
• Pursues growth opportunities that enhance professional performance and advance district goals.
• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Provides prompt notification of absences. Ensures that student lists and teaching materials are readily available for substitutes.
• Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Performs all other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required:

• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Acknowledges personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.

Working Conditions:

• Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Duties may require working in proximity to moving mechanical parts.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Potential for exposure to air‑borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, noises, and odors.
• Potential for exposure to blood‑borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

Performance Evaluation:

Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Porter Township School Corporation.

Porter Township School Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that believes and practices that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities both in the hiring process and in all phases of employment. In adhering to all State and Federal statutes, the Porter Township School Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender status, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, “Protected Classes”) in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities, providing the person is qualified and meets the established requirements of the position.