Description
Paraprofessional - Special Education
Purpose Statement
The job of Paraprofessional - Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the
educational process with specific responsibilities for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of
special needs students in the regular classroom or in a Special Education classroom; assisting in
implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing
information to appropriate school personnel.
This job reports to Assigned Administrator
Essential Functions
Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher
for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g.
diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, toileting, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate
health care needs.
Administrates tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the
classroom.
Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students for the purpose of maintaining student personal
hygiene.
Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the
purpose of acquiring and conveying information relative to job functions.
Collects data (e.g. maintaining data for individual students as requested by teacher, etc.) for the purpose
of providing documentation of accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, District policy
and administrative regulations.
Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel for the purpose of
assisting in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
Develops professional relationships (e.g. students and families, in and out of school settings, etc.) for the
purpose of implementing professional communication.
Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for
students with behavior disorders or other special conditions (e.g. CPI restraint processes, individual
learning plan implementation, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring and reinforcing learning concepts and
conflict resolution skills.
Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring
availability of items; providing written reference; and meeting mandated requirements.
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms,
playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a
safe and positive learning environment that supports enrolled students.
Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and
group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing
instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring student success in school.
Paraprofessional - Special Education Page 1 of 2
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective
functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job
conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:
adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications;
providing outstanding customer service; working effectively under time constraints; providing self-motivated and detail-
oriented instruction and problem solving; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a
variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and
understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to
satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student
activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/behavior.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-
related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing
defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work
with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem
solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent
interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based
competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities;
communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; interpreting a variety of instructions; climbing,
balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling as required; working as part of a team; and working with
constant interruptions.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or
coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be
required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s
services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:
significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching,
and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50%
standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean
atmosphere.
Experience: Job related experience is required.
Education: