Paraprofessional - Special Education ED - South Middle School

Nampa School District; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Nampa School District seeks a Special Education Para Professional at South Middle School to support students with emotional and behavioral needs under the supervision of a certified teacher and the principal. The role focuses on small group and one-on-one instruction, classroom assistance, and data collection to monitor progress.

Responsibilities include preparing materials, reinforcing lessons, maintaining behavior supports, and collaborating with staff to ensure a safe, productive learning

Qualifications

• Demonstrates aptitude for working with adolescents with social/emotional/behavioral issues.
• Requires appropriate de-escalation and therapeutic hold strategies as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in interactions with students and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize materials for small group and individual instruction.
• Provide tutorial help and reinforce material as directed by certified staff.
• Observe and record student time on task and progress.
• Assist classroom teacher in delivering effective instructional programs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning.

Skills

Behavioral issues experience

Student support skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Para Professional requirements

Bachelor's degree or 32 credits

Para Pro assessment 460+

Para Professional experience preferred

Job description

POSITION: Special Education Para Professional - Emotionally Disturbed

CATEGORY: Classified

DEPARTMENT: Para Professional

LOCATION: South Middle School

REPORTS TO: Principal

SUMMARY: To work under the direction of the classroom teacher or principal in achieving the educational goals and objectives of all qualifying students through individual, small group, or whole group instruction.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize materials for small group and individual instruction
• Maintain high academic and social/emotional/behavioral standards and expectations
• Provide tutorial help to students following lessons prescribed by the teacher and reinforce material and skills using a variety of methods as directed by certified staff
• Provide immediate feedback on student performance
• Respond to students’ questions and requests for assistance
• Observe students’ work and study habits
• Observe and record students’ time on task when needed
• Assist students in locating prescribed instructional materials and starting their assignments
• Assist the classroom teacher in the delivery of an effective instructional program
• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material and skills introduced by the teacher
• Assist students in mastering equipment or instructional materials assigned by teacher
• Provide individualized instruction activities using materials and sequences selected by the classroom teacher
• Identify pupil needs and provide instruction appropriate to those needs
• Follow modifications and accommodations as specified in Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Assist with such large group activities as drill and practice, reading aloud, and storytelling, and participate in other forms of oral communication with students
• Provide guidance with independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work assigned by the teacher
• Supervise assigned student at all times, including breaks
• Assist with one-on-one or small group instruction as outlined by the teacher
• Provide reinforcement of behavior through the use of positive behavior supports
• Work with individual students in crisis situations
• Provide guidance through the de-escalation process
• Physically intervene to prevent a student from harming themselves or others
• Provide clear and concise records of crisis events
• Accurately record student data on daily tracking sheet for parent/guardian and staff use
• Assist in filing police reports as necessary
• Participate in Wrap-around, MDT, or other groups to discuss students strength and needs
• Participate in professional development to enhance skills and practices related to working with students with severe social/emotional/behavioral disorders.
• Assist the assigned student in the general education classroom setting during class activities.
• Collecting data documenting student behavior for instructional purposes.
• Accompany the student when trips are necessary to the school office or nurse office as needed.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the student to provide a positive classroom experience.
• Serves as a resource person to the child study team as needed.
• Alerts classroom teacher to any problems or special information concerning any individual student.
• Work with special needs children who have unique learning challenges.
• Assist certified teacher in preparing for classroom activities.
• Check notebooks, correct papers, and supervise testing and make-up work as assigned by the teacher
• Administer, score, and record such achievement and diagnostic tests as the teacher recommends for individual students
• Encourage students to strive to meet their highest potential
• Communicate classroom rules and encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities
• Keep the supervising teacher informed of activities and any issues that may arise
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Distribute and collect workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Keep accurate records and maintain individual records for each student
• Attend faculty meetings as required
• Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development through such efforts as reading professional journals and other publications
• Seek assistance should emergencies arise
• Represent the school district in a positive manner
• Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualification Requirements

To perform job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/Or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Must meet Para Professional requirements
• Bachelors Degree or
• 32 core academic credits from an accredited university (with a passing grade of “C” of better)
• Pass the Para Pro assessment with a score of 460 or higher
• Para Professional experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrate aptitude for working with adolescents with social/emotional/behavioral issues
• Must hold certification in appropriate de-escalation and therapeutic hold strategies and practices or be willing to obtain it prior to starting position.
• Works well with students, staff, and the public
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under pressures and deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to read, analyze and interpret governmental regulations and legal documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information