WILLCOX UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Instructional Aide / Paraprofessional

Department: Instructional Services Location: Willcox Unified School District, Willcox, Arizona

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, the Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional assists certified professional staff in supporting students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives. The position provides instructional and non-instructional support to students and assists certified employees with duties that allow them to focus on instruction, curriculum development, assessment, and other professional responsibilities.

The Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional may provide support to students individually or in small groups and may assist students with special needs in accordance with established educational programs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), district policies, and applicable laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following duties are representative of the position and may vary depending upon assignment:

Assists and guides students in reinforcing reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other academic skills.
Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned instructional programs.
Assists professional staff with the administration, monitoring, and correction of classroom exercises, tests, assessments, and other instructional activities.
Assists with classroom preparation and instructional strategies designed to reinforce materials and skills according to individual student needs.
Assists with record-keeping procedures and documentation related to student learning, progress, performance, and assigned activities.
Assists with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, and encourage students to remain on task.
Provides supervision and assistance in non-instructional areas, including but not limited to:
- Student lunch programs
- Bus duty
- Playground duty
- Hallways and corridors
- Study halls
- Other assigned student supervision areas
Accompanies students on field trips and other school-sponsored activities for the purpose of providing assistance and supervision.
Constructs, copies, distributes, organizes, and utilizes educational and instructional materials as needed.
Assists teachers with parent/guardian contact as requested to promote effective communication and meaningful parent/guardian involvement in student education.
Assists students with special needs in classroom instruction and activities to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, and participation in the educational program.
Participates in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, as appropriate to the position, and serves as a resource to the student personnel evaluation team when requested.
Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living, as appropriate, for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate safely and successfully in school and learning activities.
Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance and supervision for all students, including students with disabilities or other special needs.
Maintains confidentiality regarding student records, educational information, employee information, and other confidential district matters.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Assists guidance personnel, pupil services staff, teachers, and building administration as needed.
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the appropriate supervisor or administrator.

Note: The above description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of every task, duty, or responsibility that may be assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED

The employee may be required to operate and use standard office, classroom, and instructional equipment, including but not limited to:

Personal computers
Printers
Copiers
Telephone and communication equipment
Classroom instructional technology
Other equipment appropriate to the assigned position

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel between schools, or between schools and the District's central offices, may be required depending upon the employee's assignment and district needs.

Travel may also be required for field trips, professional development, meetings, or other school- or district-sponsored activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions accurately and effectively.
Basic knowledge of academic concepts and the ability to assist students with reading, writing, mathematics, and other educational activities.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as needed to assist students.
Ability to understand, operate, and utilize personal computers and common software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to learn and utilize district-specific computer programs and instructional technology.
Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic, behavioral, physical, and emotional needs.
Ability to establish supportive, respectful, and compassionate relationships with students, including students with special needs.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding students, employees, families, and district matters.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with students, teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, and other individuals contacted in the course of work.
Ability to work effectively as a member of an educational team.
Ability to exercise patience, sound judgment, tact, and discretion when working with students.
Ability to follow established procedures and safety requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare and submit oral and written reports to the appropriate supervisor as required.
Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS / WORK HAZARDS

The employee works primarily in standard school and office environments and must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The position may require:

Working in classrooms, offices, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and other school facilities.
Working outdoors during recess, playground supervision, athletic or extracurricular activities, field trips, and other outdoor student activities.
Frequent interaction with students and staff.
Maintaining awareness of student safety and classroom activities.
Assisting students with physical, instructional, behavioral, or daily living needs as appropriate to the assignment.
The ability to respond appropriately to student needs and emergency situations.
The ability to perform duties requiring standing, walking, bending, stooping, sitting, and other physical activities associated with working in a school environment.

Note: Refer to the District's Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for additional requirements applicable to this position.

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

Education and Experience

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for successful performance of the position may be considered qualifying.

Typical qualifications include:

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of college-level coursework or passage of an examination, as required by applicable federal or state requirements for paraprofessional personnel.
Prior experience working with children, particularly students with special needs, is desirable.
Experience working in an educational or child-care setting is desirable.

Required Certifications/Licenses

Must meet all applicable federal, state, and District requirements for employment in a school setting.
Must satisfy applicable fingerprint clearance and background screening requirements.
Additional certifications or training may be required depending upon assignment.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

All employees of Willcox Unified School District are expected to:

Support the District's educational mission and goals.
Maintain a professional and respectful relationship with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members.
Protect confidential student and employee information.
Follow District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, integrity, and sound judgment.
Participate in required training and professional development.
Perform assigned responsibilities in a manner that supports student achievement and the effective operation of the school and District.

The Willcox Unified School District reserves the right to revise this job description as needed to meet changing District needs, legal requirements, educational practices, and operational responsibilities.