Special Education Aide

SAU 16; Exeter (NH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

SAU 16 is seeking paraprofessionals to serve as Instructional Aides in Exeter, New Hampshire. This role involves working one-on-one and in small groups with students receiving special education services. Candidates should have experience with behavioral challenges and demonstrate a commitment to collaborative teamwork. Responsibilities include assisting with daily activities and supporting student learning under the guidance of professional staff. All applicants must be eligible for paraeducator certification through NHDOE and complete an online application process.

Qualifications

• Experience working as a paraprofessional and with students with significant behavioral challenges preferred.
• Individuals with Registered Behavior Technician Certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with activities of daily living.
• Work with student(s) on academic tasks based upon lesson plans developed by the teacher.
• Assist professional staff in the administration of student progress monitoring.

Skills

Ability to carry out instructions

Effective writing and verbal communication skills

Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Education

Eligibility for paraeducator certification

Tools

Personal computers and software applications (e.g. Word, Excel)

Job description

Overview

The Exeter School District is looking for paraprofessionals to serve as Instructional Aides and work with students who receive special education services. Instructional Aides primarily work in classrooms supporting small groups of students or supporting students on a 1:1 basis. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to working with students and being a collaborative part of a school team. Experience working as a paraprofessional and with students with significant behavioral challenges is preferred. Candidates must be eligible for paraeducator certification through NHDOE.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Assist in using and adapting a variety of developmentally and age appropriate materials and equipment, including assistive technology, to support students’ learning and/or life skills.
• Assist with the physical needs of students such as lifting, feeding, toileting/diapering and personal hygiene.
• As needed, assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompany students to related arts programming, special services (i.e. OT/PT/Speech) and non-academic settings to provide assistance and support/monitor behavior.
• Assist professional staff in the administration of student progress monitoring.
• Work with student(s) on academic tasks and skills based upon lesson plans developed by the teacher/case manager.
• Assist with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance and ensure confidentiality is maintained and discussed only with appropriate school personnel.
• As needed, assist teachers with behavioral management to ensure a safe and orderly classroom.
• Accompany students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Serve as a resource to case managers and classroom teachers and participate in the IEP process and meetings, when appropriate.
• Assist the teacher in preparation of materials on an as-needed basis.
• Participate in professional development and staff meetings, as assigned and allowed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Follow all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Individuals with Registered Behavior Technician Certifications, preferred
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Working Environment

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above, in addition to the following: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. The employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to manipulate, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee is required to supervise students requiring the employee to match walking speed that matches the student and may at times require the ability to run to safeguard students. The employee may occasionally lift, carry, move and/or, when appropriately trained, restrain school-age students. Employee must occasionally move equipment and/or supplies. Employee is occasionally required to drive. Employee is regularly required to handle stressful situations and resolve conflicts. The job is performed for the most part in a school setting with occasional outside weather conditions. The noise level is that of a typical school setting.

Application Procedure

Please apply online. Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation, license and transcripts have been attached to your online application. All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process. FLSA Status: Non-exempt