Special Education Paraprofessional - SSN Full Time - Full-time

Crystal River Elementary is looking for a full-time (37.5 hours per week) Special Education Paraprofessional.

DEFINITION 

Under direction of a principal or assistant principal, Paraprofessionals assist the classroom teacher, special education teacher, or provider with the supervision and instruction of students according to the student’s IEP.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives direct supervision from the preschool director, principal, or assistant principal.   

Receives day to day direction from the classroom teacher, special education teacher or special service provider.   

 PRIMARY DUTIES 

1. Under teacher direction, provide support in all areas of the classroom; assist with classroom instruction and classroom management.  

2. Assist and support the teacher in carrying out class rules and expectations to maintain a productive learning environment. 

3. Assist in covering the class when the teacher is involved in assisting another student or out of the classroom.

4. Assist the teacher in enforcing expectations for appropriate classroom behavior and if needed provide clear consequences for inappropriate behavior.  

5. Provide adequate supervision of students at all times; escort, assist and supervise students in the hallways, lunchroom, playgrounds or outside areas and at school assemblies. 

6. Assist in proctoring tests. 

7. Assist the teacher with preparing and organizing instructional materials.  

8. Conduct small group and individual instruction according to the teacher's lesson plans. 

9. Assist and support students in routine classroom classroom housekeeping responsibilities. 

10.  Report to work on time and accurately record time worked.

11.  Monitor student progress and communicate progress to students, parents, teachers and administrators.  

Additional Duties for Special Education Paraprofessionals: 

1.  Administers, under supervision, assistance to children needing medical support (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) 

2. Adapts classroom work under the direction of the teacher or special service provider / case manager. 

3. Under direction from the case manager, implements plans to meet the student's social and daily living skills. 

4. Implements, under teacher direction, instructional programs in accordance with the IEP.

5. Monitors individual students in the classroom, library, hallways, playground, or other outside areas. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge of

Classroom management 

Basic knowledge of Standards Based Education 

Children with special health care needs 

Age appropriate activities 

Stages of child development 

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. 

Modern office procedures and methods. 

Basic computer knowledge 

Ability to

Perform clerical duties such as filing and copying 

Work efficiently with a service oriented attitude under stressful situations with constant interruption

Effectively manage time and multiple responsibilities 

Work independently in the absence of supervision

Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages 

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing 

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Monitor and record student data
 

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING GUIDELINES  

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. In order to be highly qualified, the paraprofessional must pass the paraprofessional test or possess an associate's degree in any field of study.     

WORKING CONDITIONS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside.  The noise level is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk and stand.  Occasional lifting of 25 pounds or less.

A SSN paraprofessional typically needs to be able to lift and move individuals weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, with the potential to lift heavier weights with the assistance of lifting equipment like a Hoyer lift depending on the specific needs of the student; this may include bending, squatting, kneeling, and reaching to assist with transfers and other physical tasks. 

Key points about lifting requirements for a Severe special needs paraprofessional:

• Varying weight capacity:
  The exact weight lifting capacity required will depend on the individual student's needs and physical abilities.

• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties including lifting student weighing up to 50 pounds into and out of wheelchairs and special equipment

• Proper lifting techniques:
  Safe lifting techniques like bending at the knees, keeping a wide base of support, and engaging core muscles are crucial. 

• Use of assistive devices:
  For heavier individuals, a Hoyer lift or other mechanical lifting equipment may be necessary to safely transfer students. 

• Physical demands beyond lifting:
  In addition to lifting, paraprofessionals may need to perform other physically demanding tasks like pushing wheelchairs, standing for long periods, and assisting with mobility activities. 

SSN para may require the ability to:

• Assists severely disabled students with personal hygiene and grooming functions such as toileting, feeding, tube feeding, and/or suctioning in a proper manner. 

SALARY RANGE AND DAYS WORKED

Hourly Rate: $21.88 - $27.10 per hour based on experience.

Full time 37.5 hours per week

Days worked: 176 days/year (with paid personal time, paid vacation days, and paid time off for holidays and district non-work days such as during winter break and spring breaks)

Benefits: The Roaring Fork School District offers full district paid employee health benefits as well as voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage. Other benefits include: paid personal and sick leave, paid parental leave for mothers and fathers, a robust retirement plan under Colorado PERA with a district contribution of over 20% of an employee’s wages each month, Employee Assistance programs, a district wellness program, and access to discounted ski passes and other community benefits.

For more information please contact Kendall Reiley at kreily@rfschools.com.