Special Education Paraeducator

Atlanta Public Schools; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlanta Public Schools seeks a self-motivated Special Education Paraprofessional to support teachers in meeting the educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities. The role requires on-site presence in the school building and collaboration with staff and families.

Responsibilities include providing targeted instruction, collecting data, implementing behavior plans, and assisting with testing, materials, and daily operations in a classroom setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or completed 2 years of college preferred.
• Two years of experience with children preferred.
• Face-to-face instruction in the school building with students present.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in meeting instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities (in-person).
• Provide small group and/or individualized instruction as per IEP and lesson plans.
• Collect instructional and behavioral data for each student.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans for students with disabilities.
• Communicate with teachers about student issues and parent conversations.
• Assist during standardized testing and with preparation of daily materials.
• Assist with distribution of food, supplies, materials, and technology.
• Monitor students’ movement and maintain sanitation during in-person learning.
• Assist with healthcare procedures including hygiene and medications as needed.
• Participate in professional learning and training of volunteers in-person.

Skills

Child development

Instructional methods

Supervise children

Academic knowledge

Computer proficiency

Communication skills

Collaboration with students/parents

Adaptability

School safety knowledge

Written communication

Work under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree or 2 years of college

Job description

Atlanta Public Schools is looking for a self-motivated Special Education Paraprofessional to support teachers in meeting the educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students with disabilities in the classroom and community. This position reports to the School Principal and will be assigned to be physically present in the school building location.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

CERTIFICATION:

• High School Diploma or equivalent GED AND passed GA paraprofessional assessment; OR
• Associate's degree or completed 2 years of study at an institution of higher education.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or equivalent GED required
• WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements.
• Two (2) years of experience with children preferred.
• Available for face-to-face instruction within the school building with students present

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILIITIES:

• Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development.
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise children.
• General knowledge of academic subjects relevant to position assignment.
• Computer proficiency and ability to work effectively in an in-person learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff, and parents in a professional manner.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between various in-person learning environments
• Knowledge of school safety & security procedures.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Supports teachers in meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students with disabilities in the classroom (in-person) and community.
• Provides small group and/or individualized instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with the students' IEP and the supervising teacher's lesson plans.
• Collects instructional and behavioral data for all objectives being taught for each student.
• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans for students with disabilities.
• Communicates proactively with teachers to inform them of student issues and conversations with parents.
• Responds to emails and phone calls from school leaders and teachers in a timely manner.
• Assists during standardized testing to support state and local testing processes and policies.
• Assists with preparation of daily lesson plan materials and makes copies of materials for students (print or electronic).
• Assists with distribution of food, supplies, materials and equipment, including technology.
• When in a school-based learning environment, monitors students' movement throughout the building to other classrooms, learning areas and cafeteria.
• Assists students with classroom and cafeteria clean up and wiping down surfaces to uphold sanitation standards as required for safe school environment.
• Assists administrators and other staff members in the orderly, expedient and safe transition of students from one location to another.
• Assists students as necessary with physical needs including feeding, toileting, lifting, and mobility.
• Assists students with healthcare procedures including hygiene and medications as needed for daily care.
• Assists students with assistive technology devices, including communication devices, switches and orthopedic devices needed for sitting, walking, or standing.
• Engages in professional learning opportunities in-person.
• Assists with training volunteers in-person.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.

Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person and various classroom learning environments.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.