Stafford County Public Schools

Job Title: Paraprofessional – Special Education

Location: School Based

Pay Grade: Unified Scale Grade U050

Work Calendar: 10 month 185 Day Staff

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the building administrator, this position works closely with one or several pupils with disabilities on a regular basis in an effort to provide them with the physical assistance and emotional support they need to gain full benefits from the district's special education program.

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists student(s) in physical tasks and to reinforce instructional content

• Assists the student(s) in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off of outer wear, moving from room to room, using the lavatory and other self-help or classroom needs and accompanies the student(s) requiring supervision outside the classroom as necessary.
• Works with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teaching staff, under the direction of the special education teacher
• Establishes an appropriate supportive relationship with the student(s) while maintaining a dialogue with the teaching staff providing information/data regarding student progress and performance.
• Operates and cares for a variety of equipment used in conjunction with the instructional program.
• Assists with maintaining an appropriate classroom environment to include assisting the teacher in devising and implementing special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Assists with the reasonable supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and instructional activities and any other school-wide needs.
• Serves as the chief source of information and assistance to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the Special Education teacher.
• Assists with the collection and distribution of instruction material and with record keeping and student documentation.

Support and demonstrate core values of Stafford Schools

• Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to position.
• Respond to written and oral requests for information promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance, appropriate to position.
• Maintain a record of appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serve as a role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Work in close harmony with colleagues, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Comply with all District and School policies and regulations, including but not limited to guidelines for confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge
• Basic curriculum expectations and IEP goals and objectives
• Basic teaching strategies
• Skills
• Basic computer applications
• Awareness of the needs of students with disabilities and the need for alternative instructional strategies to meet their needs
• Basic reading and computation skill
• Abilities
• Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals
• Organize and perform work independently
• Meet deadlines for all work even when working on multiple projects
• Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in quality and quantity of work

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work environment is primarily inside but could include outdoor responsibilities, with moderate noise, temperatures that are may include exposure to weather conditions, and no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements. The work is moderate work, requiring exertion of up to 50 pounds of force to move or lift objects.

The following physical and mental abilities are representative of those expected to complete the essential functions of the job: standing for prolonged periods; sitting for prolonged periods; moving the hands, wrists, or fingers repetitively; moving with force on the back or lower body repetitively; feeling, grasping, or holding objections by hand; identifying colors visually; identifying objects in low light or distant conditions; communicating via spoken language; communicating via written language; perceiving sounds; making decisions using logic and rational thinking.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this job description.