Job Description

Title:   PARA-EDUCATOR - SPECIAL EDUCATION/MULTIPLE DISABILITIES CLASSROOM

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Primary Function:

Assist the special education teacher in all personal care and medical needs pertaining to the student. In addition to the personal care obligations the Para-educator will assist the special education and classroom teacher by performing assigned duties related to the learning process as outlined in students' educational plans such as assembling and preparing instructional materials and reinforcing instruction under the direction/supervision of the teacher or building administrator.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or higher; or High school diploma or equivalent with additional 48 semester credit hours from accredited institutions; or High School Diploma or equivalent with addition of passing a rigorous test as approved by VDOE or YCSD for purposes of determining highly qualified status for para-educators  under the No Child Left Behind legislation.
• Bachelor's Degree or higher qualifies for Tier Two.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in handling varied, multiple duties, ability to multi-task
• Ability to work with and communicate with students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
• Basic knowledge and/or experience related to area of assignment.
• Awareness of various characteristics of students with special needs.
• Ability to work with students with behavioral and social communication needs
• Willingness to serve all students.
• Demonstration of initiative and self-direction.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and dexterity and exemplary oral and written communication skills required to perform all performance responsibilities.
• Ability to move about in room to monitor students and check work in classrooms with varied seating and desk organization patterns.
• Ability to assist in the implementation of an instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior, including outdoor activity areas, gymnasiums, etc.
• Accompany students on field trips
• Ability to gather and interpret data gathered in all school settings.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Assist with implementation of behavior management and/or medical management plans
• Handle student toileting
• Change student clothes as needed
• Provide sponge baths as needed
• Assist with student feeding to include
• Set-up and connect tube to stoma for Gastrointestinal feeding and provide proper care of tubing before and after usage
• Support students in cafeteria lines and eating in cafeteria/classroom during breakfast and lunch, as needed
• Prep foods and physically assist or feed students during breakfast and lunch
• Provide guarded or direct assistance during transition changes from wheelchair to appropriate setting, i.e., changing table/mat or bean bag, stander, gait trainer
• Assist with  Occupational and Physical therapy as outlined in IEP
• Provide medical assistance under the supervision of school nurse
• Perform assigned duties related to the learning process
• Monitor and assist students under the direction/supervision of the special education teacher, classroom teacher, or building administrator
• Provide professional communication with staff and parents under the direction of and in collaboration with the special education teacher
• Assist the teacher in assembling and preparing instructional materials
• Assist the teacher in the maintenance and organization of a safe, clean, and attractive classroom to include disinfecting surfaces that students may come into contact with such as mats, tables, standers, chairs, desks, etc.
• Participate in and provide staff development activities related to area of assignment
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to student records and information
• Directly implement or assist in fulfilling students' daily personal health maintenance tasks
• Serve bus, cafeteria, or hall duty
• Assist students with use of equipment such as standers, gait trainers, and personal communication devices, under the training and supervision of related service personnel such as OT, PT, VI specialists 
• Perform other duties as assigned by teacher and principal

Reports to:

Teacher and Principal

Terms of Employment:

Ten months a year. Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Evaluation:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of non-licensed personnel.

3/3/2014