Special Education Paraprofessional

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a dedicated individual to provide essential support to a student who is DeafBlind, facing unique challenges due to combined hearing and vision impairments. In this role, you will play a crucial part in facilitating access to information and fostering the student’s overall development within special and general education settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

Facilitate Communication and Access:

• Offer visual and auditory information, aiding them in comprehending their surroundings.
• Assist the learner in various aspects of the school day, including communication, language, mobility, personal care, and sensory needs, utilizing sign language and other visual aids as necessary.

Ensure Access to Information and Materials:

• Act as a bridge to provide the learner with access to information, environments, and educational materials that might otherwise be inaccessible due to sensory impairments.

Guided Exploration:

• Encourage student’s active participation and hands-on exploration of materials, aligning with the learner’s individual abilities and needs.

Adapt Instruction:

• Collaborate closely with teachers and licensed professionals to modify instructional materials, equipment, and strategies, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of the student.

Safety and Well-being:

• Prioritize the safety and well-being of students and maintain a secure learning environment.

Professional Development:

• Engage in training and in-service sessions as assigned, staying updated on best practices and evolving techniques in the field of DeafBlind support.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

• We welcome candidates who bring diversity, bilingualism, or prior experience working with diverse populations.
• High school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• A minimum of two (2) years of full-time employment or equivalent experience working with individuals with special needs.
• Willingness to complete a district-funded certification program for a DeafBlind Intervener Certificate. For those who do not already possess this certification, the district will cover the cost of training through Metro ECSU.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Driver’s license

Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:

• Classroom policies, procedures and processes.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs. 
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Required Skills:

• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions. 
• Reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities. 
• Commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
• Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District’s established Core Values.
• Advancing the District’s mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work is performed in a classroom environment, with moderate physical requirements; a job in this category requires stamina to walk or stand to a significant degree, working with special needs children; strength to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a school setting.