Paraprofessional                       

Reports to: Director of Special Education

Classification: 10 Month Support Staff

Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary: Provides support to the teacher(s) in the classroom with instructional and non- instructional activities as assigned by the teacher(s) with the guidance of the building principal(s)/Director of Special Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in instructional activities such as distributing materials and equipment, setting up for activities and putting away equipment at the close of activities.

• Monitor and assist student(s) during instructional activities under the direction of the teacher(s).

• Provide assistance to student(s) in academic tasks including assistance with materials, note taking, recording assignments, tutoring, computer support, and operation of other mechanical devices necessary for the education of the student(s).

• Monitor student(s) during non-instructional time such as, but not limited to, study halls, special study halls, assembly programs, lavatories, library study, computer resource room, lunchroom, recess and halls.

• Assist student(s) in fine motor control tasks, such as, but not limited to, buttoning clothes, securing lunch tray, eating and returning lunch tray to the kitchen. 

• Accompany student(s) on field trips with the classroom teacher(s).

• Assist student(s) in moving to and from the bus as well as about the building and transporting educational materials from class to class.

• Monitor same-gender student(s) in the locker room during non-instructional time and during the school day, as needed.

• Assist teacher(s)/athletic director with tasks.

• Perform diapering and/or personal hygiene needs.

• Document student academics and behaviors as directed by district personnel.

• Perform other duties as directed and/or assigned by the classroom teacher(s) and with the guidance of the building principal(s)/Director of Special Education.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree required or completion of HQ assessment

• Complete 20 approved training hours annually

• Submission of pre-employment medical examination (Section 148 of the Pennsylvania School Code)

• Submission of a report of criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police (Section 111 of the Pennsylvania School Code)

• Submission of a clearance report from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in accordance with Act 151 of 1994

• Submission of Federal Criminal History Record in accordance with Act 114 of 2006

• Submission of the Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form as required under Act 24 of 2011

• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to reach above and below the waist  

• Ability to use fingers to pick, feel and grasp objects

• Some stooping, bending, kneeling, and twisting of the body required 

• Ability to lift and/or carry supplies weighing no more than 40 lbs. 

• Ability to sit, walk, stand or move throughout the building, often for extended periods of the workday  

SENSORY ABILITIES: 

• Visual acuity

• Auditory acuity

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Typical office environment

• Subject to inside and outdoor environmental conditions

TEMPERAMENT:

• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills

• Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions

• Able to make judgments and work under high level of stress

• Exhibit patience and tact

COGNITIVE ABILITY:

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Ability to organize tasks    

• Ability to handle multiple tasks

• Ability to exercise good judgment

• Ability to cooperate and take direction

• Ability to work effectively with student(s)

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Must possess computer skills

• Ability to operate various office equipment

• Must appropriately handle confidential information

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability or disabilities to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job.)