Special Education Paraeducator (LIFT Program) (56 hours biweekly)

Young World Physical Education; Reading (MA); On-site; USD 34,963 - 44,675; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Reading, Massachusetts is hiring a Special Education Paraeducator to support students with disabilities under the guidance of certified teachers. The role includes providing tutoring, behavioral therapy, and supervising students during school activities.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, understanding of child development, and the ability to react to unpredictable situations. This is a full-time position with a salary range of $25.38 to $32.43 an hour.

Qualifications

• Understanding of the needs and behavior of children, especially those with disabilities.
• Ability to react professionally to unpredictable situations.
• Basic clerical and record keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing students' IEPs and modifications as directed.
• Collect data and report observations of student progress.
• Supervise students during various activities to ensure safety.

Skills

Behavior management techniques

Effective communication

Child development understanding

First aid and CPR knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Specialized training in education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator (LIFT Program) (56 hours biweekly)

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).

This position will include providing direct services to students in the community for a large portion of the school day, and may involve serving as an educational coach at a local College.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides a variety of 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 program modifications as directed by certificated staff; maintains awareness of the child’s disability.
• 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 toilet training, toileting, diapering, dressing, cleaning, feeding, and lifting of children as necessary.
• Provides demonstration and instruction to less experienced aides through modeling and shadowing techniques.
• Prepares materials for use in classroom and therapy.
• Assists in maintaining a disciplined, neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment.
• Assists students in classroom activities in the absence of the teacher.
• Models appropriate behavior for students.
• 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, 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 and collaborators working with assigned students.
• Participates in training sessions as provided by the Reading Public Schools.
• Uses feedback to reflect critically upon classroom experience and identify areas for further skill and professional development.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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, including Autism, PDD, Developmentally Delayed, Social/Emotional, and other neurological disorders and learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of child development theory and principles.
• Demonstrates an understanding, patience, and receptive attitude toward children.
• Ability to react professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g., environmental changes, behavior/aggression, seizure activity).
• Ability to carry out assigned duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to 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 Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
• Understanding of confidentiality requirements regarding student academic, special education, and medical records.
• Understands 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

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; associate degree or above preferred. Additional specialized training in child development, education or a related field is desirable. 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. Frequently uses hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools. Requires sufficient grip strength and ability to enter data, read from screens, and review written materials. Must communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues in person and over the phone. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback.

Work Environment

The employee works in a normal school environment with acceptable noise levels. Interacts with students, parents and other staff, and may need to meet multiple demands from several people. Majority of the work day is spent inside, with time outdoors for recess, fire drills, and special activities.

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. 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.

Position Details

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $25.38 to $32.43

Contact Information

Kelly DiCato, Team Chairperson

Reading Memorial High School

Email: [e-mail]