Special Education Paraprofessional - Alternative Education

Sylvania; Hummelstown (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Dauphin School District seeks a paraeducator to assist a special education teacher and support individual students in the classroom. You will help maintain a positive learning environment and contribute to students' emotional, academic, and physical well‑being.

The role involves data collection, behavior support, confidentiality, and collaboration with case managers. This position follows the school schedule and includes routine tasks to enable effective instruction.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Must have or be able to obtain Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151 clearances.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom teacher with positive social and emotional modeling for children.
• Perform instructional activities and monitor results through data collection.
• Assist the teacher in carrying out behavioral management procedures.
• Provide information on academic progress, behavioral changes, and physical needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information per district policy.
• Support health care needs including feeding and bathroom assistance.
• Assist children to and from the bathroom and during transitions.
• Adhere to the daily schedule set by the classroom teacher.
• Perform routine clerical and housekeeping duties to support instructional time.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by administrators and coaches.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Cooperative and service oriented

Team player

Organizational and multi-tasking

Clear verbal and written communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Description

Overview

To assist a special education teacher or student in maintaining a quality learning environment within the classroom and to work closely with one or more students to provide the physical, emotional, and academic support for students to make the best possible educational progress. The employee who holds this position will be a part of the Classified Employee Group. The Paraeducator position will be evaluated and supervised by the Building Principal, and work under the direction of a case manager.

Essential Functions

• Assist the classroom teacher in developing a good mental attitude for children through positive interactions and emulation of a good social and emotional model for children.
• Perform instructional activities and monitor the results of those activities through data collection.
• Assist the teacher in carrying out behavioral management procedures.
• Provide the teacher with relevant information on academic progress, behavioral change, physical needs, etc.
• Abide by Lower Dauphin School District policy on confidentiality of information and refrain from discussing student progress and problems with other personnel and parents.
• Perform classroom tasks relevant to the child’s health care needs which may include, but not limited to: feeding/meal time support and bathroom support.
• Assist children to and from the bathroom, pushing into to other classrooms, cafeteria/meal time support, transportation support, recess support, etc. when necessary.
• Adhere to the daily duty and instructional schedule established by the classroom teacher.
• Perform routine clerical and housekeeping duties in order to permit the classroom teacher to devote his/her time to educational plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Administrator, Special Education Coaches, and/or other administrative leadership team members.

Job Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• Previous experience working and interacting with children, preferred.
• Must have or be able to obtain valid Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151 clearances.

Additional Qualifications

• Strives to maintain professional, cooperative, and respectful relationships with all other District employees.
• Serve as a pleasant, helpful, and positive representative of Lower Dauphin School District in all interactions with the community.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be cooperative, congenial, service oriented, and a team player along with the ability to work with frequent interruptions and under sometimes stressful conditions.
• Must have the ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task, communicate clearly and effectively, work independently, exercise good judgment and follow written and verbal directions.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to type and use both hands for grasping and repetitive motions.
• Some bending and twisting of the body required.
• Ability to lift/carry no more than 50 lbs. independently.
• Visual and audio acuity including ability to read computer screens and written documents.
• Ability to use the telephone and speak clearly and distinctly.

Work Environment

• Typical school setting subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Working hours are based upon the school year schedule and student need.