Special Education Paraprofessional (Kelly Day Program)

CAPS Collaborative; Ashburnham (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

CAPS Collaborative in Massachusetts is seeking dynamic paraprofessionals to join our dedicated team supporting students with multiple disabilities, including autism. The paraprofessional will assist a certified teacher with specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities in small groups and one-on-one settings.

This role requires patience, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to varied needs.

Qualifications

• Must have good reading, writing and math skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and team members.
• Flexible and willing to learn new skills and carry out assignments.

Responsibilities

• Carry out instructional programs to meet individual learning needs.
• Implement intervention/instruction for students with intensive needs.
• Assist in data collection per lead teacher instructions.
• Advocate for students' needs and support daily living activities.
• Communicate effectively with staff and students.
• Assist with positioning and mobility as required for student care.

Skills

Reading

Writing

Math skills

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree or 2 years college

Job description

CAPS Collaborative is seeking dynamic and enthusiastic paraprofessionals to join our dedicated team of professionals. Student populations include students with multiple disabilities, medically fragile and/or students with moderate to severe disabilities including autism. Experiences working with these special education populations is preferred. ABA/behavioral background a plus.

About Us

CAPS Collaborative will work in partnership with districts to provide programs and services of the highest quality. To provide these services, we adhere to the following values:

• To commit every aspect of the organization to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students.
• To demonstrate quality and responsiveness by becoming the first choice of districts for programs and services.
• To be a customer-focused organization that constantly evaluates district needs.
• To integrate quality, integrity, respect, and teamwork into every aspect of the organization.
• To demonstrate accountability through constantly evaluating results and progress toward goals.
• To implement programs and services in the most cost-effective manner and to exercise due diligence in financial decision making.
• We will work in partnership with districts to ensure that students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home school district.

About The Role

The paraprofessional will assist a certified teacher with providing specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities for students. This position requires the Paraprofessional to work in small groups and one-to-one with students on a regular basis in an effort to provide the student with the academics and emotional support they need to participate and learn.

Responsibilities

• Carryout instructional programs to meet individual learning needs of students.
• Implement and model intervention/instruction designed to best meet the needs of students with intensive special needs.
• Carries out data collection per lead teacher instructions.
• Advocate on behalf of students needs.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and team members.
• Walking and moving about the classroom and school environment to provide individual and small group instruction.
• Capable of stooping/bending, squatting and kneeling for significant amounts of time to provide instruction to students in a variety of positioning equipment, placing students from standing to floor levels (Standers, bolsters, wedges, sidelyers, therapy balls, tumbleforms, etc.)
• Change diapers & dress/re-dress students throughout the day
• Take off/put on equipment (Body Jackets, AFOs, Swash Braces, splints, etc.)
• Carry out therapy carryover skills with students
• Assist students with self care needs
• Must have the ability to exercise universal precautions and tolerate constant management of body fluids (urine, feces, drool, runny noses, sneezing and coughing by children unable to independently cover their mouth and/or nose, vomit, stoma & tracheae care).
• Lift and carry objects and/or classroom equipment:
• 0-20 pounds, constantly
• 21-50 pounds, often
• 51-60 pounds, rarely
• Lift and move students for repositioning several times a day:
• 20-50/60,1 person lift
• 51/61 & up, 2-4 person lift dependent on exact weight and students tone
• Push and pull students in wheelchairs on flat surfaces and inclines:
• 20-200 pounds (1-2 person required dependent on exact weight and angle of incline)
• May be required to physically handle students weighing 20-200 pounds, by one's self during an emergency situation.
• Must be able to assist ambulatory students with visual impairments and/or unsteady (ataxic) movement.
• Must assist students daily in all activities of daily living, as needed.
• Must have the ability to reach grasp and handle objects using upper extremities.
• Must possess excellent reading, writing and mathematical skills.
• Must be capable of making sound judgments and decisions.
• Must be able to deal with people in a variety of situations.

Candidate Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Respect and maintain student and family confidentiality
• Cooperates successfully as a team member
• Communicates effectively with other members of the team including giving and receiving feedback. This includes written and oral communication.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills, to carry out assignments, put in essential time and effort.
• Perform delegated duties with level of expertise and assume responsibility for own professional development.
• High school diploma required; Associates degree or two years of college highly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Able to demonstrate physical control and restraint positions to be implemented when physical control is necessary as a last resort due to an individual's dangerous behavior.
• Able to navigate all areas of the school quickly including indoor and outdoor areas.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.