Paraprofessional (Special Education)

Applitrack; Jamestown (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance where applicable

Pension benefits

Paid sick and personal time

Job summary

Applitrack is seeking a Paraprofessional - Special Education Classroom to assist licensed teachers in delivering instruction and supporting students with diverse learning needs. The role includes small-group work, materials handling, and daily classroom routines.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and 60 college credits or Praxis; health and background clearances are required. The position is based in New Jersey with 10-month employment and a salary commensurate with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least 60 college credits, an associate degree or Praxis exam is expected.
• Knowledge of child growth and development and effective classroom practices.
• Ability to assist with instructional activities and communicate clearly.
• Compliance with health, safety, and background check requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to support diverse learners and maintain professional conduct.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom teacher in delivering an effective instructional program.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning.
• Care for classroom equipment and support instructional materials.
• Supervise students during drills, field trips, and activities.
• Assist with planning displays and bulletin boards, and perform clerical duties as needed.
• Support very young students with daily routines and independence skills.

Skills

Communication skills

Child development knowledge

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Integrity and character

Classroom support experience

Ability to relate to students

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

60 college credits / Associates or Praxis

Job description

TITLE

PARAPROFESSIONAL - SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency
• Minimum experience as determined by the board
• Sixty college credits, Associates Degree or pass Praxis Exam
• Knowledge of child growth and development and appropriate classroom practices and demonstrated ability to assist with instructional activities
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.)
• Appointment may require successful completion of communicable disease, child abuse, CPR, first aid, and /or behavioral management training.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Ability to respectfully manage students, including students with developmental disabilities.
• Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one year of employment Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one year of employment Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
• Exhibit a personality that demonstrates interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents and the community.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Provide proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
• Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education. During the initial six month period provide a sworn statement that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly person's offense in accordance with 18A:6-7.1.
• Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities, with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
• Pass the state required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
• Meet such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

REPORTS TO

Principal/ Classroom Teacher

SUPERVISES

Assists in the supervision of classroom activities under the direction and supervision of the certified classroom teacher, principal or other designated certified personnel.

JOB GOAL

To promote the achievement of students' educational goals and learning objectives by providing supplemental and clerical services to assist the classroom teacher.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the classroom teacher in the delivery of an effective instructional program.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills introduced by the teacher.
• Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
• Helps students master equipment or instructional materials assigned by teacher.
• Distributes and collects workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction. Checks notebooks, corrects papers, monitors testing and make-up work, as assigned by the teacher.
• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work assigned by the teacher.
• Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
• Helps the teacher to plan and maintain bulletin board and other classroom learning displays.
• Reads to students, listens to students read, and participates in other forms of oral communication with students.
• Checks notebooks, corrects papers, and supervises testing and make-up work, as assigned by the teacher.
• Performs clerical duties related to the instructional program including attendance reports, collection of money, duplication of materials, and distribution and return of notices to home.
• Helps very young students with their clothing, snack time routine, and toileting activities.
• Participates in in-service training as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:

• Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time.
• Speak and hear.
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
• Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.

Environmental Demands

The environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.

• Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
• Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
• Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities.
• Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, instruction, and/or operation of equipment.
• Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

10-month employee, salary and work year as set by the PEA contract.

SALARY RANGE - Based on experience

• Minimum: Step1 - $38,148
• Maximum: Step11 - $44,225

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• New Jersey State Pensions & Benefits
• Paid sick and personal time
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan (employee funded)
• Optional disability insurance (employee funded)

ANNUAL EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with NJ State law and the provisions of the board's policy on evaluations

Approved by: Pleasantville Board of Education Date: August 18, 2015

Revised: January 17, 2023

LEGAL REFERENCES

• N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 Criminal history record
• N.J.S.A. 18A:16-1 Officers and employees
• N.J.S.A. 18A:16-2 Physical examinations; requirement
• N.J.A.C. 6A:32-4.2 Approval of paraprofessional staff
• N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6 School employee physical examinations
• Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, 8 U.S.C.A. 1100 et seq.
• No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, P.L. 107-110, Title I Part A, Section 1119 Qualifications for teachers and paraprofessionals, 20
• U.S.C.A. 6301 et seq.