Reports to:  Classroom Teacher/Supervisor and/or Director of Program

Employment Status: As assigned on board-approved contract

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Valid Ohio Educational Aide Permit
3. Meet NCLB requirements for paraprofessional status
4. Successful completion of BCI/FBI background checks

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

 

A paraprofessional is an employee who assists and supports teachers primarily engaged in direct instruction with one

or more pupils for instructional activities, physical or behavior management, or other purposes, under the direction of

a licensed teacher.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  (The below list is not ranked in order of importance.)

1. Ensure safety of students, taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials and facilities
2. Demonstrate the ability to follow teacher instructions while conferring and collaborating with them around student schedules, instructional goals and performance while following the laws of confidentiality
3. Demonstrate the ability of being a positive role model within the context of written policies of the agency
4. Perform duties in a manner that demonstrates the ability to separate personal issues from one’s employment responsibilities
5. Demonstrate skills necessary to work as an effective team member, such as; basic communication skills, understanding of roles, listening strategies with students and staff and ways to deal with conflict
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the distinctions between roles and responsibilities of professionals, paraprofessional and support personnel
7. Demonstrate sensitivity to the beliefs, traditions, and values across cultures and how these impact relationships between children, families and schooling
8. Effectively demonstrate knowledge about the laws protecting the rights of students and parents and how it relates to written plans and to their role as a paraprofessional
9. Demonstrate an awareness of a child’s disability (needs)  and the impact the disability can have on learning and achievement
10. Demonstrate the ability to collect and record performance data on students under the direction of a licensed teacher, while respecting confidentiality and the laws regarding ethical practices of assessment
11. Demonstrate the ability to follow oral and written direction of licensed teachers, seeking clarification as needed
12. Demonstrate the ability to assist in adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student under the direction of a licensed teacher
13. Effectively communicate and implement best practices in identifying learning styles, establishing classroom rules and procedures and maintaining rapport with students
14. Demonstrate the ability to implement strategies that promote student independence in various settings
15. Collaborate with the educational team on meeting student needs
16. Supervise and monitor students in all settings
17. Demonstrate an awareness of the primary factors that influence student behavior
18. Demonstrate the ability to collect objective information on student behavior to be provided to licensed teacher
19. Has an understanding and can demonstrate a variety of strategies that reinforces positive behavior
20. Demonstrate the ability to support, reinforce and practice effective instructional strategies that complement  the instructional plans of the licensed teacher
21. Promote good public relations within the work setting (e.g. personal appearance, positive attitude and conversation)
22. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment at the Center.
23. Serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings
24. Help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Complete other work assignments as requested by teacher or supervisor
2. Attend meetings and professional development opportunities as requested
3. Other duties as assigned by teacher/program supervisor

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Occasional interaction among unruly children
2. Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue
3. Occasional requirement to travel, e.g., field trips
4. Frequent requirement to stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, stoop and crouch
5. Basic classroom management skills
6. Basic knowledge of student needs/subject matter

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Ability to work effectively with others
2. Ability to communicate ideas and follow directives both orally and in writing
3. Effective, active listening skills
4. Organizational and problem solving skills

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

 

Typical school technology as well as assistive technology (e.g., communication devices, etc.)

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

 

Dates of the work period will be stated in the employment contract

 

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

                                

The Classroom Paraprofessional will be evaluated by the Classroom Teacher/Supervisor or his or her designee in accordance with the procedures identified by law and including the standards established by the organization. The employee will be given a copy of the evaluation instrument and standards in advance and he or she will be expected to conduct a self-evaluation and establish a minimum of one goal annually to advance knowledge, skill and/or ability in a job related area.

 

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not

intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the Service Center.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.