Job Description

Title:  Special Education Paraprofessional
Reports to:  Special Education Teacher and Building Principal
Location:  School
Position:  Classified
Contract Days:  181
Retirement:  TRS
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Pay Scale: Support Staff A (A3)
 
Minimum Requirements:
 
Education:  As required by the State Department of Education for Licensing:

• High School Diploma or GED;
• Must be highly qualified according to the No Child Left Behind Act. 

This includes one of the following:

1. Associates Degree; or 2 years of college (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours);
2. Passing score on the state’s required GACE Paraprofessional assessment.

 
Experience:  Experience working with special needs children.
 
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:  Written and oral communication skills; ability to operate office machinery and deal with multiple tasks; computer competence; typing and proof reading skills; pleasant personality; cooperative attitude.  Must be able to lift and assist with physical needs of students.        
           
Primary Function:  To assist in the implementation of instructional goals developed by the teacher.
 
Performance Responsibilities:

• Assists the teacher in organizing the learning environment.
• Works with the teacher in implementing individual educational plans.
• Helps collect, organize, and file materials for units of work.
• Assists in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Works with individuals and small groups within the classroom setting.
• Assists the teacher in maintaining confidentiality of students.
• Conducts hearing/vision screenings for all students referred to special education.
• Assists with the annual system-wide hearing/vision screenings.
• Works with those students who require assistance with toileting, feeding, positioning, and bathing.
• Maybe required to work in a regular classroom as an inclusion paraprofessional.
• Responsible for the proper handling/disposal of body fluids as outlined in Policy JGCC.
• Facilitates/administers assessments as appropriate.
• Monitors test for CRCT.
• Administers the KTEA tests.
• Grade objective tests with training or supervision.
• Help with paperwork to facilitate parent-teacher appointments.
• Listens to students or small groups of students read.
• Distributes supplies, books, etc., to students and collect-completed work.
• Sort and file student papers, teaching materials, etc.
• Organizes supplies in the classroom.
• Collects/copies student information for special education teachers and maintains confidentiality of information.
• Organizes and distributes student MODS to teachers/administrators (this includes the beginning of the year and each nine weeks as exploratory classes change).
• Circulates in the classroom to make sure students are working and supply help when needed.
• Provides classroom supervision in emergency situations.
• Helps support large group instruction as needed.
• Assists in implementing the teacher’s behavior management strategies, using the same emphasis and techniques.
• Take initiative in helping teacher or students when not busy with other tasks.
• Work with regular education teachers to help students succeed in other classrooms and implement IEP goals.
• Assists in classroom management, such as supervising timeout, giving positive reinforcement and support, making sure class and school rules are followed.
• Helps students develop organizational skills to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Enhance students’ self-concepts by giving positive feedback
• Performs other duties assigned by the special education teacher/other authorized administrators.
• Assist in meeting student’s psychical needs (may require student lifting, transferring and personal hygiene).

Evaluation Instrument:

• Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the HCSS Board of Control’s policy on Personnel Evaluations.