Special Education Paraprofessional - Mandan Middle School

Sylvania; Mandan (ND); On-site; USD 56,936,000 - 66,679,000; Full time

Job summary

Mandan Public Schools seeks a paraprofessional to assist students with special education in classroom settings and support teachers with instructional activities and behavior management.

The role requires patience and the ability to work with students with diverse needs, while following district policies and confidentiality rules. A High School Diploma or GED is required; Paraprofessional certification from North Dakota DPI is preferred for Title 1 schools. Position is full-time, non-exempt.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Paraprofessional certification from ND DPI preferred for Title 1 schools.
• Ability to assist students with cognitive delays and behavioral needs in educational settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist functionally disadvantaged or students with cognitive delays in educational programs and with teachers as requested.
• Supervise, instruct, monitor, and communicate with students to support learning objectives.
• Assist with IEPs, develop learning plans, and help prepare classroom materials.
• Maintain confidentiality and complete daily written reports as required.

Skills

Student support

Behavior management

Classroom assistance

Communication

Record keeping

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

PC skills

Educational software

Job description

Position Type: Full-Time; 9 month

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Wage Range: $19.87 - $23.27

Position Summary

Under basic supervision, assists Mandan Public School students with programing special education in school classrooms with educational programs and special assignments, and provides assistance to teachers as needed to provide a positive learning and socialization environment for the students.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists functionally disadvantaged or students with cognitive delays in educational programs, specialized direct services, special assignments, and individual assistance; provides assistance to Teachers as requested; performs duties within scope of authority, and in compliance with MPS policies; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Works with students with profound and complex physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities; assists students with special physical needs and emotional disturbances to function effectively and interact in a group educational environment
• Supervises, instructs, monitors, and communicates with students; conducts exercises to help students achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
• Assists with supervising students, and assists in maintaining good student behavior; guides students to stay on task in work and play activities; alerts teacher to student’s special behavioral and learning issues.
• Assists students with learning tasks and Individualized Education Programs (IEP).
• Assists with development of individual learning plans, class lesson plans, and special events; assists with planning, preparation, development and distribution of classroom materials.
• Monitors student behavior and documents special issues and problems; assures all required written reports are completed and submitted daily; assists with clerical duties and record keeping as needed.
• Communicates with students, and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
• Assists with individual and small group interventions to improve student behavior.
• Supervises students in a variety of settings including classrooms in a group or one-on-one, during meal times, and on the playground to maintain student Page 2 of 3 safety; enforces District policies and rules of conduct and reports behavior issues, disciplinary incidents, and other concerns to teacher or principal.
• Supports the relationship between the Mandan Public Schools and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and School staff; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and School information; follows compliance rules governing child abuse; performs related duties as required or assigned.

Reports To

• Building Principal

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED

Knowledge of

• MPS policies and procedures. Classroom procedures and processes.
• Methods and techniques to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics.
• Safety rules and regulations.
• Personal computers, and specialized software applications for educational systems.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.

Skill in:

• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students, and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure, and working effectively in classroom and school facility environments.
• Dealing tactfully and courteously with students, using patience, understanding, and caring.
• Assisting students to improve behavior and socialization skills.
• Following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

A valid North Dakota State Driver’s License may be required. Paraprofessional certification from North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is required for Title 1 Schools. Additional training and certifications may be required for some incumbents.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

Work is performed in a standard classroom and office environment; may be required to physically restrain students.

Employment requires satisfactory completion of the interview process and verifiable record of satisfactory performance in previous employment.

A state and federal background check will be conducted on the final candidate.