Title: Paraprofessional A- Self Contained/Side-by-Side

Category: Classified

Reports to: Site or Program Administrator

Purpose: Assist special education teachers with individualized instruction, implementation of each child’s individualized education program (IEP), monitoring student behavior, and assist students with personal needs, including, but not limited to toiletry, feeding, adaptive equipment, etc.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must obtain and maintain a AZ DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

2. Must possess a High School diploma or equivalent (preferred).

3. Obtain and maintain certification in Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid 
4. Experience working with school- aged children (preferred)
5. Experience working with children with various learning and physical disabilities (preferred)
6. Special training in the use of adaptive equipment (may be required upon hire)
7. Ability to speak fluent Spanish (preferred)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this class.) 

1. Assist teacher with instructions, creation of classroom materials and classroom set up
2. Paraprofessionals may be required to provide services in regular classrooms, ESL, special needs, side-by-side or other special education settings.
3. All Paraprofessionals may have duties in playground supervision, lunchroom and lunch area supervision, lavatory supervision, bus area supervision, and in transportation of District students as required.
4. Assist and accompany student for inclusion in regular classroom  
5. Aids students with personal hygiene, including changing diapers and assisting with toilet training. 
6. Assist students in proper use of eating utensils and cafeteria behavior  
7. Assist occupational therapist and speech therapist with teaching student as required.  
8. Provide a safe environment for special education students in which to learn  
9. Works with students on a variety of subjects or in one-on-one or small group instruction
10. Monitor and supervise students in classroom, playground and cafeteria settings, using PBIS principles  
11. Under the direction of the supervising teacher, prepare instructional materials and visual aids; photo copy materials and documents  
12. Under the direction of the supervising teacher, prepare workstations or learning centers for children to work on daily lessons 
13. Assist students with learning reading, writing and math skills  
14. Assist in administering District and State tests as needed
15. Assess student needs and modify lessons to provide appropriate help; document student progress  
16. Collaborate with teachers to ensure lessons are appropriate for student 
17. Organize and maintain teaching materials  
18. Organize and file student work; plan for daily activities to meet specific needs of each child
19. Move about as needed to observe activity and to maintain safety, order and control at all duty stations.
20. Maintains adequate and legible records concerning his/her students work with teacher direction.
21. Assist in all safety programs, drills and evacuation proceedings as required.
22. Report to your instructional supervisor and/or school health center personnel all student medical and safety issues which you observe.
23. Attend classes, in-services and seminars as needed to improve knowledge and skills and to keep current with the latest in services equipment, material and functions as it pertains to the District’s needs.
24. Practice good public relations techniques with students, staff, administration and parents, demonstrating a cordial and friendly manner.
25. Participate in the Medicaid Reimbursement program which includes maintaining monthly logs on eligible students; attending scheduled training.
26. Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality.
27. May oversee class as required in teacher’s absence  
28. Perform other duties as assigned 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to fifty (50) pounds, such as boxes, supplies, etc.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.  The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and to interact with the public and other staff.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee must have the ability to do the following:

1. Ability to read and interpret general documents such as employee handbooks and safety/training manuals.

2. Ability to write general correspondence and speak effectively with others.

3. Ability to interpret assortment of instructions furnished in variable forms.

4. Ability to apply reason to research and solve moderately complex issues with little or no assistance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to moderately high during the school day.  There may be periods of recurring stress in the performance of this job.

EVALUATION:

Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of support staff personnel.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

FY 2024-2025

$16.00/hr + $0.25 per year of equivalent experience

Non-Exempt, 10 month position, 186 days

35.50 hours/wk

Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

60 day probation period for benefits to begin the following benefits:

1. 10 days sick/personal leave
2. ACA compliant health insurance plans