Paraprofessional-Special Education

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District; Arizona; On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District is seeking an instructional paraprofessional to support students with disabilities in a classroom setting. Under supervision, you will assist in lesson planning, reinforce instruction, and work with health professionals.

You will monitor student behavior, translate in IEP meetings, escort students, and help with mobility and daily care as needed. The role requires patience, communication, and teamwork in a school environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with an associate degree or 60 credits post-secondary, plus two years experience with students with disabilities.
• CPR/First Aid Certification required.
• Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card preferred; Crisis Prevention Training required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and preparing instructional materials and lessons for students with various disabilities.
• Support student learning and reinforce instruction provided by certified teachers.
• Collaborate with health specialists, speech therapist, and physical therapist to administer lessons and therapy exercises.
• Monitor and record student behavior and progress; assist with translating in IEP meetings and parent phone calls as needed.
• Escort students to special classes and guide them through obstacle courses.
• Physically assist students with eating, restroom use, hygiene, and getting on/off buses as required.
• Clean and disinfect toys, tables, and classroom; organize materials at end of lessons.
• Assist substitute teacher to ensure continuity of learning.

Skills

Behavior management

Speech technology devices

Classroom management

Child development

Special needs support

Education

Associate Degree

60 credits post-secondary education

Paraprofessional test

Job description

SUMMARY:

Under basic supervision, provides instructional support to studentsto enhance the learning environment of physically, emotionally, and/or mentally challenged students.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in the planning and preparation of instructional materials and lessons that meet the needs of students with various disabilities.
• Supports student learning and reinforces instruction provided by certified teachers.
• Works in conjunction with school health specialists, speech therapist, and physical therapist to administer lessons, activities, and therapy exercises.
• Monitors and records student behavior and progress. Assists with translating in IEP meetings and parent phones calls as needed.
• Escorts students to special classes. Guides student through obstacle courses.
• Physically assists student with eating, restroom use, hygiene, and getting on and off school busses as required.
• Cleans and disinfects toys, tables, and classroom. Assists in picking up and organizing toys and classroom materials at the end of lessons.
• Assists substitute teacher to ensure continuity of learning process.
• Completes other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent; AND Associate Degree OR minimum of sixty (60) credits post-secondary education OR passing score on a paraprofessional test; AND two (2) years of experience working with students with disabilities; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid Certification.
• Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card preferred.
• Crisis Prevention Training.

Required Knowledge of:

• Behavior management strategies.
• Speech technology devices.
• District, School Board, and Department policies and procedures.
• Methods of classroom management. Supervising and instructing students.
• Stages of childhood development.

Required Skills in:

• Working with students with special needs.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; bi-lingual preferred.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard software such as Microsoft Office and some specialized software; functioning standard office equipment.
• Planning and implementing lesson plans and activities.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard classroom environment.
• May be required to assist students with restricted mobility.