Paraprofessional III-A

Topeka Public Schools; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Topeka Public Schools seeks a dedicated Para III-A Spec Ed paraeducator to support Assistive Technology services and supervise special needs students under the guidance of licensed staff. You will help implement IEP goals, monitor behavior, and help prepare materials and records necessary for compliance.

As part of a school team, you will assist with instruction, adapt activities, and ensure safe, inclusive access to the curriculum for all students.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic math (fractions, percents, ratios) and ability to read manuals and write documents.
• Ability to present information clearly and follow instructions.
• Safety procedures, confidentiality, and teamwork in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Adapt activities and materials to support classroom objectives under supervision.
• Assist students needing Assistive Technology services to access the curriculum.
• Attend meetings and PD to convey information related to job functions.
• Monitor student behavior and assist with IEP objectives.
• Maintain instructional materials and records for compliance.

Skills

Basic math

Read manuals

Write documents

Present information

Safety procedures

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Office software

Office equipment

Job description

Purpose Statement

The job of PARA III-A SPEC ED is done for the purpose/s of The job of PARA III-A SPEC ED is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the Assistive Technology Teacher with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students; creating, installation and distribution of assistive technology devices as specified in a child’s Individual Educational Program (IEP); assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel.

Essential Functions

Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.

Assists students who may need Assistive Technology services for the purpose of providing access to the curriculum and enabling the student to fully participate in their education.

Attends meetings and professional development (e.g. IEP''s, first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.

Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.

Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: child guidance and instructional procedures and practices related to children with special education needs; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; positive behavior intervention strategies.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 30% walking, 20% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience: Job related experience is desired.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Required Testing: None Specified

Certificates and Licenses: None Specified

Continuing Educ./Training: None Specified

Clearances: None Specified

FLSA Status: Non Exempt