Position Purpose -  Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development. Essential Job Functions

• Assist students with academic or behavioral goals, one-to-one or small group, under the direction of the supervising teacher or licensed staff;
• Support student discipline, including providing positive reinforcement and supporting the character traits established by the program;
• Provides assistance with individualized program materials;
• Assists with group educational activities;
• Confers and plans with teachers related to classroom and IEP objectives and/or modifications, and provides documentation;
• Assists the teacher in observing, recording, and charting behavior;
• Assists the teacher with crisis intervention and behavior management to include physical intervention and restraint;
• Prepares classroom materials including those related to IEPs or accommodations/modifications;
• Prepares the classroom or building environment for learning activities;
• Assists students with physical needs (toileting, eating, dressing);
• Participate in professional activities and meetings;
• Supervises students in the hallway, lunchroom, playground, outdoor activities and field trips;
• Completes data entry and incident reports, including ongoing behavior documentation;
• Assists students with computer or technology-related instructional activities or adaptive equipment;
• Performs various maintenance duties including cleaning of instructional materials or supplies and bodily fluids;

Additional Duties: -  Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed. -  Perform any other related duties as assigned. Note:   The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment -  Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements -  Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards -  Works in standard office and school building environments. -  Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile -  Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• ParaPro or ParaEducator Certification (contingent upon completion after hire)
• Or an Associates (AA) College Degree
• PCA Certification

-  Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

FLSA Status:             Non-exempt

Pay Based on Contract - $23.06 - $24.84 per hour - DOQ and experience Days based on School Calendar - Student Contact Days (172) ESY Days available Benefit Eligible Position: Medical, Dental, Life, Supplemental, 403(b), and more!

Rum River Special Education Cooperative is a specialized public school district located in Isanti County with 3 schools, 19 teachers and 172 students. Total Revenue is $9,962,000 and is trending flat. Rum River Special Education Cooperative spends $54,227 per student per year on instruction.