JOB TITLE: PARAPROFESSIONAL –

SPECIAL EDUCATION SEVERELY HANDICAPPED

Supervisor:                                   Principal (or designee)

Salary Schedule:                           Classified Salary Schedule Range 15

Work Year/Day:                             varies by assignment

BASIC FUNCTION: 

Under the direction of the principal (or designee), assists, tutors, trains, and supervises students with moderate-to-severe disabilities in a special education classroom or similar learning situation under the supervision of a certificated teacher; performs a variety of supportive and clerical duties for teachers.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 

• Performs general classroom instructional support duties; assists the teacher in caring for the physical needs of students.
• Performs routine physical tasks such as lifting and moving children, some of whom are in wheelchairs and/or diapers, and who may have reached adult size; arranges furniture and supplies.
• Helps students during lunchtime; carries on a habit training program in etiquette, hygiene, manners, and development of skill in using eating utensils; feeds students unable to feed themselves in conjunction with teaching them to hold a cup, swallow, chew, tolerate various textures, identify foods, reach and grasp, and feed themselves.
• Assists teachers and other support providers with helping students become as independent as possible.
• Assists in training students in personal hygiene, taking care of personal needs and developing basic self-sufficiencies; assists students with toileting and cleaning after toilet accidents.
• Assists in the preparation of teaching aids and devices.
• Works with the teacher to identify student issues and plan appropriate modifications strategies and techniques. 
• Assists teachers in providing close attention to every student in the classroom.
• Protects the safety of others in the group.
• Administers first aid and prescription medications to special education students for the purpose of providing emergency care in accordance with student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or 504 health plans, as well as district, state, and federal requirements.
• Administers health-related assistance to students, such as gastric tube feeding, diapering, or other medical procedures when allowable and appropriately trained for as required by law.
• Assists special education students requiring daily care (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care and/or developing children’s daily living activities and behavioral skills as assigned.
• Monitors and assists individual special education students in the classroom, library, playground activities, community outings, vocational sites, public transportation systems, etc. for the purpose of ensuring the safety and support of assigned students.
• Assists in training for students in functional life skills, domestic skills, community-based instruction, and prevocational/vocational skills.
• Supervises students during classroom activities, in the library, on field trips, at recess and lunch breaks, during play or physical exercise, and on the bus as needed.

• Meets with and assists teachers (special education and/or general education) in evaluating student progress towards IEP goals; participates in parent-teacher conferences as needed.
• Attends in-service training and staff meetings as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Personal hygiene practices and procedures for students with disabilities.
• Safe and sanitary practices and procedures.
• Behavior management strategies and techniques for students who may experience maladaptive behavior.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.

• Operation of standard office equipment.
• Basic first aid and CPR.

Ability to:

• Work with physically or mentally disabled students in a patient and caring manner.

• Communicate with children and motivate them to participate in learning activities.

• Learn and modify instructional techniques or methods to meet the needs of students with IEPs.
• Work with profoundly disabled and/or emotional students who may become combative and/or need physical lifting, toileting, feeding, and grooming activities.
• Learn methods, materials, and procedures used in a variety of instructional situations.
• Provide basic physical care to severely handicapped students.
• Be flexible and able to adapt to changes in routine and duties.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Meet schedules and deadlines.

• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with others using tact, patience, and courtesy.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with students, staff, and other district personnel.
• Understand both written and oral instructions, work rules, and procedures.

• Supervise children inside and outside of the classroom; at various locations on campus and off-campus. 
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Operate a computer and related software; send and receive emails and research information through the internet.
• Perform general clerical tasks and learn the operation of office equipment and devices.

• Understand, be sensitive to and respect the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disabilities, and sexual orientation of staff, students, and the public who may be encountered as part of any working assignment.
• Maintain consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.  

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education:  High school diploma, or equivalent.  College level coursework in child growth or development, special education, or a closely related field is desirable.

Experience Required:  Prior paid or unpaid work with children of various age levels in a learning situation.

Licenses, Certifications, and/or Testing Required:  TB test clearance, pre-employment physical and drug testing clearance, Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance, valid first aid and CPR certification upon hire and continually through employment.

Revised CSEA Approval:  01/10/2023