Paraprofessional (Autistic Support)

Allentown School District; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Personal and sick time

PSERS retirement fund

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to assist in providing instructional support to children with disabilities. This role involves working under the direction of a teacher, implementing positive behavior support plans, and maintaining records. Candidates must meet specific educational requirements and competencies in reading, writing, and math. A benefits package is included with eligibility outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• Must meet educational requirements for 'highly qualified paraprofessional' defined by federal laws.
• Valid Act 34, 114, and Act 151 clearances required.
• Must continue to meet annual obligations of Chapter 14, PA Code 22: 20 hours of approved staff development annually.

Responsibilities

• Assist the principal in maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
• Support teachers in delivering instructional strategies as per the IEP.
• Collect data for progress monitoring under teachers' direction.

Skills

Reading competencies

Writing competencies

Math competencies

Communication skills

Behavior support

Education

Associate degree or higher

Completed at least 2 years of postsecondary study

Job description

Position Information

Position Type: Paraprofessionals – Special Education / Special Education Paraprofessional

Date Posted: 10/21/2024

Location: Washington Elementary School

Qualifications

• Must meet educational requirements for “highly qualified paraprofessional,” as defined by federal laws, No Child Left Behind, and IDEA and Chapter 14, PA Code 22.
• Must meet basic reading, writing, and math competencies.
• Valid Act 34, 114, and Act 151 clearances.
• Valid tuberculosis test and physical examination with ADA reasonable accommodations as appropriate.
• Must continue to meet the required annual obligations of Chapter 14, PA Code 22: 20 hours of approved staff development activities related to the assignment.
• U. S. citizen or holder of a valid work visa.
• Such additional or alternatives to the above qualifications as the board or superintendent may determine appropriate and acceptable.
• Have completed at least 2 years of postsecondary study.
• Possess an associate degree or higher and meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a state or local assessment.
• Participate in 20 hours of approved staff development activities annually.

Summary

An instructional paraprofessional is a school employee who works under the direction of a certificated staff member to support and assist in providing instructional, behavioral, and functional programs and services to children with disabilities or eligible young children. Services may be provided in a special education class, regular education class or other instructional setting (e.g., community‑based instruction) as provided in the student’s IEP.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the principal and other professionals in maintaining a safe and orderly school environment.
• Assist the special education and regular education teachers in the delivery of appropriate instructional and tutorial strategies as per the individualized educational plan (IEP).
• Under the direction of the teacher, provide instructional support for the purpose of supporting/reinforcing lessons (e.g., administering tests, tutoring or reinforcing instruction).
• Under the direction of the teacher, collect observational and academic data for the purpose of progress monitoring.
• Maintain students’ files/records for the purpose of documenting activities and/or providing reliable information.
• Under the direction of the teacher, follow and implement positive behavior support plans.
• Handle students’ personal needs (e.g., feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing care to students who may or may not have medical conditions, but the medical concern is not the primary orientation for the student.
• Assist students’ safe transitions from/to locations and environments within and around the school (e.g., bus, cafeteria, community‑based instruction, etc.).
• Participate in specialized training related to specific individualized needs of eligible students with IEPs.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations/Chapter 14.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations as per standing orders and other policies and procedures.
• Perform such other tasks within the expectation of this job category and/or assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Superintendent of Schools, principal, or Director of Special Education.
• When another paraprofessional (personal care assistant or educational interpreter) assigned within the building is absent (short‑term), the administrator of the building may re‑assign other paraprofessionals to support special education students based on a priority of needs.
• If the instructional paraprofessional is assigned to work with one student and the student is absent, the administrator of the building may re‑assign the paraprofessional during the absence of the student within special education.

Benefits

Allentown School District offers a comprehensive benefits package to those who qualify, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, personal and sick time, and PSERS retirement fund. Eligibility for specific benefits will be outlined in each labor group’s collective bargaining agreement.

Starting Salary

$19.00/hr.

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