Special Needs Paraprofessional — Student Support

Lewistown Junior High School; Lewistown (MT); On-site; USD 52,349,000 - 63,370,000; Full time

Job summary

Lewistown Public Schools in Lewistown, Montana is seeking a High Needs Paraprofessional to support students in a special needs setting, including STAR/CARES rooms or one-on-one work. Immediate starting date and duties aligned with IEPs and behavioral plans.

The role involves assisting with learning materials, supervision, behavior management, transportation to various areas, and maintaining a safe classroom environment in a collaborative educational team.

Qualifications

• Completion of at least two years of study at an institute of higher education; obtain an associate or higher degree or meet a rigorous standard of quality; or
• Can demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment the knowledge of and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and math (Certified Paraprofessional Certificate);
• Experience working with children in an educational or child-care setting is highly desirable, preferably involving children with special needs.
• Knowledge of general concepts of child growth, development, and behavior characteristics in special education programs assigned.
• Knowledge of special education goals and objectives. Ability to maintain confidentiality of employment and student matters.
• Ability to obtain MANDT certification upon employment in this position.

Responsibilities

• Assists in presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises in compliance with the student’s IEP.
• Monitors and assists students through drills, practice, and study activities following presentation of instructional concepts by instructional personnel.
• Listens to students read, reads to students, explains words and meanings, rephrases materials, and provides similar learning examples.
• Tutors students individually or in small groups to reinforce and follow up learning activities.
• Assists the student(s) in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off outerwear, significant lifting and/or supporting of a mobility-challenged student, moving from room to room, and so on.
• Assist with bathrooming, toilet training, or changing students as necessary.
• Assists in the management and shaping of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies.
• Assist in maintaining a safe classroom environment, which may include, assisting a student out of the classroom to a calm down area and or physical restraint if student safety or safety of others is in question.
• Follows and assists in implementing behavioral plans, including consequences and reinforcement, as necessary.
• Assists in the supervision of special education students in the classroom, during activities, trips to the office, on the playground, and in bus duty, as directed.
• Assists in maintaining student discipline.
• Establishes as fully as possible a supportive and sympathetic relationship with the student(s) without fostering or encouraging intense emotional involvement.
• Assists instructional personnel with the development of a variety of instructional materials.
• Performs general clerical duties for instructional personnel.
• Assists in scoring tests; computes and records test scores.
• Assists in maintaining a variety of reports and records.
• Assists in maintaining a neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment, including designing and displaying bulletin boards.
• Serves as a resource person, if and when requested, to the educational support team conferring about one of the students to whom assigned.
• Works cooperatively and effectively with staff, supervisors, students, and the public.
• Maintains confidentiality of employment and student matters.

Education

Associate degree or higher

Certified Paraprofessional Certificate

Job description

Lewistown Public Schools in Lewistown, Montana is seeking a High Needs Paraprofessional to support students in a special needs setting, including STAR/CARES rooms or one-on-one work. Immediate starting date and duties aligned with IEPs and behavioral plans.

The role involves assisting with learning materials, supervision, behavior management, transportation to various areas, and maintaining a safe classroom environment in a collaborative educational team.