Special Education Paraeducator (61.5 hours biweekly)

Reading Memorial High School

Reading (MA)

On-site

USD 34,000 - 44,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Reading Public Schools' Reading Memorial High School in Reading, Massachusetts seeks a Special Education Paraeducator to provide instructional and behavioral support for students with diverse needs. Work includes one-on-one, small group, and classroom settings to help students acquire learning, behavioral, and social skills, according to IEP objectives.

The role emphasizes collaboration with licensed teachers, data collection, crisis intervention, and maintaining a safe classroom environment.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required; associates degree preferred.
Experience: Some experience with special education is desirable.
Licenses: CPR and first aid certifications preferred or required.

Responsibilities

Provide instructional support to students in classroom or small-group settings.
Implement IEP goals and program modifications under supervision.
Conduct behavioral therapy, collect data, and report progress to staff.
Supervise students during class, lunch, bus transfers, and recess.
Assist with personal care tasks and daily living activities as needed.

Skills

Behavior management

Data collection/record keeping

Communication

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator (61.5 hours biweekly)

Reading Public Schools Reading Memorial High School - Reading, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

SUMMARY: Under the daily direction of a licensed Special Education Teacher experienced in Autism, PDD, Developmentally Delayed, Social Emotional Learning, and other severe neurological disorders or disabilities, and the general supervision of the building principal, team chair or designee, administers tutoring and support services to students in a classroom setting, small group setting or 1 on 1 setting in acquiring learning, behavior, and social skills. Goals are established by the collaborative educational team and the student’s individualized educational plans (IEP).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides a variety of responsible instructional support activities to enhance the educational environment of students and to meet the educational/training objectives of the program and the educational team.
Implements the needs of the students IEP and implements program modifications as directed by certificated staff. Maintains awareness of the disability of the child.
Conducts specific behavioral therapy, reviews data, reports concerns, and provides progress information and outcomes to certified staff.
Collects data and records notes in designated student program data collection systems.
Oversees students during class, tutoring, mainstreaming, playground, eating activities, emergencies and preparedness drills, etc.
Uses instructional technology appropriately with students and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology.
Supervises students in a variety of situations under the direction of certified staff, the collaborative educational team, and parents, always observing students’ behaviors carefully to ensure personal and group safety.
Assists assigned children in instruction, communication, social activities and integration, recreation, sports, arts and crafts, personal hygiene, and other designated activities.
Assists and supervises in transferring children to and from buses, special equipment, classrooms and events, supervising students during lunch, transition, and recess time, ensuring student safety at all times.
Assists and supervises in the toilet training, toileting, diapering, dressing, cleaning, feeding, and lifting of children as necessary.
Provides demonstration and instruction to less experienced aides through modeling and/or shadowing techniques (a skill taught in training).
Prepares materials for use in classroom and therapy.
Assists in maintaining a disciplined, neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment.
Within the framework of established policies and procedures, assists students in classroom activities in the absence of the teacher.

Maintains appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safety in classroom.

Reports observations of student skills, behaviors, and abilities to appropriate personnel

Assists in crisis intervention procedures and restraints.

Communicates with parents and legal authorities, collaborative educational team, and Special Education to facilitate crisis intervention.

Engages in physical and sometimes strenuous activities with students.

Meets on a regular basis with Special Education staff, collaborative partner staff, and others working with assigned students.

Assists children in instruction, communication, social activities and integration, recreation, sports, arts and crafts, personal hygiene and other designated activities.

Follows any health plans as directed by the school nurse, and any behavior plans as directed by classroom teacher. Notifies nurse and teacher of any injuries or potentially unsafe situations

Maintain knowledge of students that may have medical concerns to remain aware of potentially dangerous situations for their individual condition.

Participates in training sessions as provided by the Reading Public Schools.

Uses feedback to reflect critically upon his or her classroom experience and identify areas for further skill and professional development.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Basic understanding of the general needs and behavior of children
Knowledge of the physical requirements and emotional needs of children with disabilities and unique needs of children with disabilities such as Autism, PDD, Developmentally Delayed, Social/Emotional and other neurological disorders and learning disabilities
Knowledge of child development theory and principles
Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward children
Ability to react professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, seizure activity, etc.)
Ability to carry out assigned duties safely and effectively
Ability to successfully use behavior management techniques
Ability to follow written and oral directions of classroom teacher, building administrator, and IEP requirements
Ability to successfully complete basic first aid, CPR, restraint, and other required training
Basic clerical and record keeping skills
Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form
Understanding of confidentiality requirements regarding student academic, special education, and medical records
Understands his/her responsibilities as a mandated reporter under state law
Ability to implement emergency preparedness procedures when circumstances require
Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; associates degree or above preferred. Additional specialized training in child development, education or a related field is desirable.

Experience: Some experience working with special education students and/or children with Autism, PDD or other neurological disorders is desirable.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and first aid certifications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools is required, along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. The employee must be able to enter data, read from screens, and review handwritten or printed materials, with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues—both in person and over the phone is essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback to instructional staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students, parents and other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people. While the majority of the work day is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors for recess, fire drills, and special activities.

Position Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

$25.38 to $32.43 Please see our Salary Schedule (readingma.gov)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Reading Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Job Requirements