Must hold or be eligible for a Substitute Teaching Certificate through DESE (36 College credit hours required). In lieu of education, may consider high school diploma with relevant experience and must pass Para Praxis test through DESE, or complete the 20 hour online course through DESE and attain substitute certificate.

District Position

Applicant will be placed based on candidate preferences and building needs in a preK-6th grade setting.

Purpose Statement
The job of Paraprofessional - Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the
instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of
special needs students in the regular classroom, in a self-contained classroom, and in school settings;
assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; and providing information to
appropriate school personnel.

This job reports to Principal

Essential Functions

• Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.
• Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. behavior, instructional, interventions, first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel for the purpose of updating the progress of IEP goals.
• Escorts students (e.g. bathroom, office, classroom, bus, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a safe arrival to and/or from destination at school.
• Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans for students for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Implements classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher (e.g. lessons, etc.) for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening skills, etc. for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate and positive social and interpersonal behavior.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical duties (e.g. scheduling, copying, faxing, data entry, filing, maintaining instructional materials, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining structured lesson plans.
• Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform single tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities, communicating with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant changing interruptions.

Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 55% walking, and 25% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience:   Job related experience is desired.

Education:   Community college and/or vocational school degree with study in job-related area.

Equivalency:   60 College Credit Hours.

Certificates and Licenses:   Valid Missouri Substitute Certificate

Continuing Educ. / Training:   Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses Criminal Background Clearance

Clearances:
Criminal Background Clearance
Children's Division (DSS) Clearance

FLSA Status:  Non Exempt