USD #493 Columbus - Gifted Instructional Paraeducator

Young World Physical Education; Columbus (KS); On-site; USD 18,597 - 19,148; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a full-time Gifted Instructional Paraeducator in Columbus, Kansas. This role involves assisting in the supervision and instruction of students with special needs, ensuring active participation in classroom activities under the guidance of certified staff.

The ideal candidate will hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have college coursework related to education. This position offers a pay rate of $13.50 to $13.90 per hour and requires maintaining a collaborative environment with diverse individuals.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with special needs is desired.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Applicants must complete 20 hours of in-service training annually.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the supervision and instruction of students with special needs.
• Collaborates with staff to support students' progress.
• Monitors student behavior and provides educational support.

Skills

Adherence to safety practices

Operating standard office equipment

Using district-approved crisis intervention techniques

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

48 college hours or qualifying score on the Master Teacher Online Exam

Job description

USD #493 Columbus - Gifted Instructional Paraeducator

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Instructional Paraeducator

Purpose: The job of the Instructional Paraeducator was established for the purposes of assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of students with special needs in the regular education classroom, interrelated resource rooms or other special needs settings; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; and providing information to appropriate school personnel, all under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher.

This position may work with students in Early Childhood settings, Elementary or Secondary classrooms, resource rooms, or with speech and school psych providers. Additionally, this position may work with students with mild to moderate disabilities who may also be deaf/hard of hearing, have visual impairments, and/or other disabilities, and are able to be served in the general education setting.

Reporting To:

Special Education Teacher, District Administration; SEK 637 Administration

Experience and Education

Job related experience is desired.

High school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must have 48 college hours or a qualifying score on the Master Teacher Online Exam within the first 90 days of employment, and 20 hours per year of in‑service training are required. All para educator positions are considered non‑exempt, at‑will positions.

Clearances

• Criminal background check
• Health and inoculation certificate on file in Central Office

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt

Wages

Based on hourly rate, number of days worked, and completion of required trainings (9‑month school calendar).

Essential Functions

• Adapts and provides accommodations of classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for special education students to actively participate in general education and/or resource room activities.
• Aids students in and out of classroom (e.g. packing backpacks, note‑taking, relationship building, field trips, social skills, etc.) for the purpose of providing assistance to students’ needs and social growth.
• Assists students requiring supports in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. diaper changing, potty training, lavatory, hand washing, nutritional, etc.) for the purpose of allowing students to function and maintain participation in the general education school environment.
• Participates in trainings (e.g. education strategies, specific disability education, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to the job functions to meet established annual State requirements.
• Collaborates with staff for the purpose of providing necessary support and information related to the student’s progress as established in the Individual Education Plan under the direction of certified staff.
• Creates visual aids based on the level of the student’s visual impairment for the purpose of improving the student’s learning process (for para educators serving students with vision impairments).
• Implements educational and behavioral programming under the supervision of the classroom certified staff for the purpose of developing new skills for students.
• Assists students with challenging and/or aggressive behaviors in accordance with the general education policies, procedures, and the IEP.
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings within the general education building (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of meeting IEP goals under the direction of certified staff.
• Maintains instructional materials and data sheets for the purpose of ensuring availability of instructional materials and/or providing reliable information regarding student progress.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments and/or community environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, fire drills, assemblies, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive environment conducive to learning.
• Assists in establishing a positive learning environment and responds to the individual needs of students.
• Works cooperatively and demonstrates effective interpersonal relationships with other paras, professionals, community agencies, and other groups.
• Assists in safeguarding confidential information and observes confidentiality requirements.
• Uses appropriate behavior management techniques to maintain a positive climate for learning.
• Faithful daily attendance and adherence to work schedules.
• Observes all district and interlocal policies during activities.
• Restricts cell phone usage to break and lunch times.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the educational team.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills. Specific skill‑based competencies include: adherence to safety practices; operating standard office equipment and pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and using district‑approved crisis intervention techniques.

Knowledge is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand complex, multi‑step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge‑based competencies include: instructional procedures and practices; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/behavior; safe handling of blood‑borne pathogens; and crisis de‑escalation techniques.

Ability is required to schedule activities, collect data, use basic job‑related equipment; ease in working with others; use data utilizing defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals, solve problems, identify issues, create action plans, communicate/collaborate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, set priorities, work as part of a team, handle constant interruptions, and take constructive feedback.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions frequently require walking, sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and fine finger dexterity. The position may also require some travel, work indoors/outdoors year around, and ability to work in noisy, stressful, and crowded environments.

Position Type

Full‑Time

Salary

$13.50 to $13.90 per hour

Location

USD493‑Home, Columbus, KS