Special Education Teaching Assistant (1259)

University Instructors, LLC is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead, change, and inspire students in the Paso Robles area.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Special Education Director and site administrator, the Special Education Paraeducator II assists a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of Special Education students; assists in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEP’S); provides routine clerical support. Other duties will be commensurate with demonstrated ability, training, education, and experience.

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

• Works under the direction of the case manager with special education students. This may be in a learning center classroom or general education classroom
• Roles are not site-specific staff will be assigned school sites and classrooms based on student need
• Paras will assist in small group, whole group and 1:1 settings
• Staff will complete required district trainings including Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and affirm modules as assigned
• Maintain records and take data as needed for students with IEPs
• Assisting certificated staff in providing instruction to identified students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities and language, communication, and behavioral difficulties.
• Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet individual needs of special education students.
• Assist certificated staff with implementation of IEPs (including Behavior Intervention Plans) or Physical Training Programs
• Provide guidance for students in academic learning, vocational, social and leisure skills, physical development and personal hygiene
• Monitor and assist students with special learning needs in drill, practice, and study activities
• Direct students into safe learning activities and functions
• Maintain an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment
• Observe and control student behavior according to approved procedures in the individual behavior plan
• Assist in the shaping of appropriate social behavior
• Provide instruction in reading, mathematics, and other subjects according to in-service, instruction and guidance from certificated staff
• Perform a variety of clerical and record keeping activities including, student attendance and behavior records, academic and achievement records, preparation of materials, and maintaining records and supplies
• Maintain confidentiality of school records and information
• Assist with the preparation of instructional materials
• Perform student assessment activities including, administration of tests, scoring tests and written work, and maintaining assessment records
• Set up and maintain special classroom equipment and learning centers
• Operate audio-visual and office equipment
• Assure health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures
• Perform routine first aid and assist with student medical treatment after proper training
• Escort students from the classroom to resource rooms and other programs
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and parent conferences
• Assists with student supplementary assignments and supervise independent work
• Perform the functions of the position in an accurate, neat, and timely fashion
• Use good judgment and decision-making skills
• Tutor students individually or in groups using instructional objectives and lessons developed by certificated staff
• Assist with crisis intervention and data collection
• Support and assist in the enforcement of classroom, school and district rules including, observe, record, and chart student behavior, and implement behavior management strategies
• Assist with lifting students in and out of wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment
• Assist staff members in positioning pupils and in rendering various forms of personal care including, toileting and diapering, dressing, undressing, bathing, and grooming
• Assist with emergency treatment of children experiencing seizures or respiratory problems
• Maintain procedure manual and documentation of specialized physical health care services and procedures
• Perform direct classroom and laboratory instruction to small and large groups of students
• Conduct task analysis of instructional objectives as determined by certificated staff
• Perform the duties of job coach or trainer in vocational training programs, and in training peer tutors under the direction of certificated staff
• Develop specialized teaching materials
• Provide remedial tutoring, identifying areas of need and using appropriate skills, strategies, techniques and materials
• Under the direction of certificated staff and/or in coordination with other paraeducators; provide classroom instruction (not necessarily in the immediate presence of certificated staff)

Physical Requirements

• The mental acuity to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to sit at a desk, table, on low chairs, on the floor or on mats, for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see, read and distinguish colors, a computer screen, educational materials, books, and other printed material, with or without vision aids.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and outdoors, and to hear and understand speech on the telephone.
• Manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data on a computer, and to perform assigned tasks using both hands.
• Ability to speak in audible tones so that others may hear and understand on the telephone, in classrooms, library, multi-purpose room or outdoors.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain, play yards and school grounds.
• Physical ability, using safe and proper techniques to lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height and 35 pounds to waist height, and to bend stoop, sit, climb stairs, to walk and to reach overhead as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Person with knowledge and abilities as stated under essential job functions are considered to meet requirements.
• Knowledge of the general needs and behavior of children;
• Correct English usage; Operation of standard office equipment; ability to perform routine clerical work; make arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Maintain up to date Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training

Experience and Education

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Pass a basic skills paraeducator examination in reading, writing and mathematics. This test is offered by the district as well as SLOCOE.
• 48 (or more) college semester units OR certification of passing the District Paraeducator Exam OR possesses a Certificate of Proficiency examination in compliance with Education Code and No Child Left Behind Act. (required)
• Career Ladder advancement as follows: Paraeducator III

Other Information

Our district partner is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in its educational programs, activities, and employment. Our district partner prohibits, in any district programs, activities, and practices, unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying based on perceived or actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, pregnancy, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.