Under the immediate supervision of an assigned school administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, assists in implementing instructional education programs for students who are medically fragile, with varied support needs, and performing specialized medical procedures as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICIS BETWEEN RELATED JOB CLASSES

Positions in the Paraeducator II job classification provide instructional and physical assistance to students who are developing the foundation for progressive mastery of reading, writing, and mathematics, while also having significant medical conditions requiring ongoing support and administration of specialized medical procedures.

All duties performed by a Paraeducator I may also be performed by a Paraeducator II

Paraeducator I positions will primarily provide non-intrusive medical health assistance, and/or emergency specialized medical support, whereas a Paraeducator II may provide intrusive medical assistance, including daily specialized medical support.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists teacher(s) with implementation of students' IEP goals and objectives through instruction and a wide variety of prescribed activities; reinforces classroom instruction through follow-up learning activities; provides additional tutoring to students in academic subject areas as assigned.

Supports student medical needs by performing assigned medical procedures and health related interventions according to established guidelines and protocols, and as directed by professional medical staff, including catheterization, NG tube feeding, changing tracheotomy tubes and ties, machine suctioning, colostomy/ileostomy care, gastrostomy feeding, mechanical ventilation, nasal cannula, oxygen supplementation, syringe suctioning and related procedures.

Provide primary care to students with physical handicaps requiring assistance with feeding, toileting and diapering, dressing (e.g. change of soiled clothing) and other related needs. Assist students in developing cognitive, gross and fine motor, feeding and self-help adaptive skills based on the curriculum and developmental plans established by speech and physical therapists, psychologists, special education teachers and other specialists.

Establish and maintain daily documentation of specialized physical health care services and procedures, including administration of medication.

Assists in gathering, assembling, and preparing various instructional materials and learning aides for delivering classroom instruction and related activities.

Provides assistance with classroom, outdoor playground, cafeteria, and field trip travel supervision; ensures students are not leaving designated areas.

May lift and/or assist in lifting students in and out of wheelchairs, braces, and varied orthopedic equipment, including assistance with performing manual tasks, getting on/off the school bus, and other positioning or locomotion needs.

Confers with teacher(s), and other school personnel as appropriate, regarding programs and materials to meet student need.

Directs students to engage safely in learning activities and school functions, and assists in shaping of appropriate social behaviors.

Respond to emergency life threatening situations by administering to students’ first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-sustaining efforts until paramedics or other medical assistance is available.

Complete accident and incident reports on as needed basis; and may assist a school nurse in updating and maintaining medical records.

Assists the teacher with behavior management and intervention plans; may record behavior incidents.

Applies approved behavior intervention techniques to maintain student safety as required.

Assesses crisis situations and intervenes to defuse situations using conflict resolution, crisis intervention, restraints, or assisting staff as appropriate;

Assists students with personal care such as washing, grooming, toileting, and diaper changing.

Assists in keeping classroom neat, clean, and safe; assists in developing and maintaining the classroom learning environment that enhances student learning.

Reinforces functional academic concepts with music, puppets, big books and devices.

Collaborates with other service providers such as speech and adaptive physical education specialist.

Assists in hand-over-hand activities with students with limited fine motor skills.

Assists with proctoring assessments, grading assignments and assisting in library research;

Under the direct supervision and observation of a certificated staff, assists students with taking medication under prescribed policies and procedures.

May rides with students on the bus which transports the students to and from school and assists students in moving to and from activities on school site or campus.

Attends in-services and staff meetings as required

May assists the teacher with routine classroom clerical tasks such as making photocopies and preparing and assembling classroom materials

May accompany students in vocational training setting and/or on community outings.

Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with legal requirements and policies

Performs other related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of:

Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;

Basic mathematical concepts appropriate to supporting school instruction;

Non-violent crisis intervention techniques and principles;

Fundamentals in classroom behavior management and support;

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct;

Child guidance and adolescent development principles and practices;

Applicable laws, codes, policies and regulations related to assigned activities.

Ability to:

Maintain professional integrity, respect, empathy, and patience with students having a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities

Provide physical care and communicate effectively with students with special needs from age 3 to 22

Assist in lifting and moving students who may wear heavy braces, use wheelchairs, and other orthopedic devices

Learn and apply behavior management and intervention techniques

Communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing

Show composure and clear thinking in emergencies and under stressful circumstances;

Adapt quickly to new students and to changes in IEPs

Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with students and staff

Recognize and report safety hazards

Learn, understand, and apply applicable laws, rules, practices, and procedures

Learn to use specialized instructional technologies

Model communication and interaction that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures

Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines;

Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations;

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT

In order to effectively perform the essential functions of the classification, an incumbent is subject to properly operating the following tools/equipment with or without reasonable accommodation and/or on-the-job training upon job entry.

Operate a variety of office equipment including personal computers and job-specific software applications, and related peripheral equipment, including, but not limited to fax machine, copier, and printer.

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

High school diploma or an equivalent. Completion of at least two years of study (48 units) at an institution of higher education, or Associates or higher degree highly desirable AND One year of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in an organizational setting. Experience working with individuals with special developmental needs is desirable.

Licenses/Certifications/Special Requirements

Valid California Class C Driver’s License

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

Level – Moderate / Performance of position duties/responsibilities is subject to frequent standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or stooping, while performing duties requiring observing and implementing behavioral interventions with students with special needs and behavioral challenges; position is subject to exercising continuous manual dexterity (i.e., coordinated and/or precise movement of hands, arms and fingers) throughout a work shift to operate computer equipment and peripherals.

Environment/Hazards

Indoor office and/or classroom setting

Minimal temperature variations;

Some students may present with aggressive behaviors requiring the use of appropriate safety practices to prevent risk of injury.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

California Department of Justice fingerprint check

Tuberculosis screening

Job knowledge/experience based selection tests to assess minimum job competency and placement on the eligibility list established for filling job vacancies in the job class.

DISCLAIMER: This classification description is not a complete statement of essential functions, duties/responsibilities, or requirements. Stated requirements are representative of the minimum technical and behavioral job competency requirements. District Administration reserves the discretion to add or modify typical duties of a position as necessary for effective department/site operation.