Job Title:                       Paraprofessional II 

Department:                 Special Education

Pay Grade:                    H171 

FLSA Status:                 Non-Exempt

Reports to:                    Principal

GENERAL PURPOSE

Responsible for providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting individual students in reaching targeted behavior goals and social competencies; assisting in the instruction of individual or small groups of students in a variety of subject areas; and monitoring and reporting student behavior and performance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist teachers in specialized and/or general education classroom in adapting, preparing and presenting a variety of instructional materials, activities and assignments, presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Assist assigned instructional staff in improving student's learning skills, self-care, and/or social development providing learning concepts and materials.
• Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, etc. receiving and conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicate with teachers regarding assigned students' progress, participating in needs assessments and assisting in evaluating progress.
• Document observations of student performance in academic and school activities providing written records and complying with mandated requirements.
• Escort students providing direction and ensuring their welfare.
• Guide students with disabilities in personal interactions, developing interpersonal skills and successful problem-solving strategies.
• Maintain manual and electronic instructional files and records providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitor students' performance, under the direction of assigned classroom teacher,
  providing feedback to students, teachers and/or others involved in the provision of
  services in accordance with IEPs as appropriate.
• Report health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel, and/or appropriate agencies maintaining students’ personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Support students in a variety of educational environments providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 60 college hours completed.
• Job related experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Must have ability to obtain current Substitute Teaching Certificate. For more information of how to obtain certification, please visit www.dese.mo.gov.
• Obtain and maintain physical intervention training.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities; instructional materials and techniques used in Special Education; safe practices in classroom and other activities; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; reading and writing communication skills; and record keeping techniques.
• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job, including: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to read technical information and compose a variety of documents.
• Ability to analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Ability to work with others under a wide variety of circumstances; working with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.
• Ability to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
• Ability to adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; work under time constraints; and communicate with diverse groups.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• The work is medium work that requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.