HOT SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description for

Special Education Paraprofessional

DEPARTMENT:  Student Support Services JOB STATUS:  Full Time

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:  N/A REPORTS TO:  Principal and Special Education Building 

               Designee

GRADE/LEVEL:  K-12 F.L.S.A:  Not Exempt

WORK SCHEDULE:  183 contracted days

POSITION SUMMARY

A Special Education Paraprofessional may work in a variety of positions in a school district. The primary roles are to assist, support, and work closely with teachers, administrators, and other team members in providing educational benefit for students. Duties will vary according to the needs of the student from physical assistance and care to behavioral management and academic assistance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To work in conjunction with certified teachers
• To reinforce curriculum, activities, and skills with small groups of students or one-on-one tutoring, demonstrating/modeling, explaining assignments, creating opportunities for cognitive and motor development, utilizing adaptive learning and communication equipment, and/or adapting assignments to student capabilities, as outlined by the supervising teacher
• To supervise student behavior and safety in the classroom, in the lunchroom, on the playground, on field trips, in crosswalks, getting on and off the bus, and/or between classes. Implement appropriate discipline and emergency procedures
• To assist with student health and hygiene needs as required, including administering basic first aid, diapering, toileting, dressing, and/or feeding
• To assist teacher with clerical and/or organizational duties, including grading assignments, making copies, laminating, completing paperwork, word processing, assembling bulletin boards and teaching tools, organizing classroom supplies and activity centers, and/or cleaning play areas
• To be, if needed, reassigned within district at anytime according to student need
• To maintain confidentiality concerning student records
• To attend staff, team, and/or IEP meetings as needed
• To uphold and enforce school rules, local board policy and state law
• To be, if needed, required to complete additional training
• To complete SPED modules in Arkansas Ideas
• To perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by Special Educator Director, or the superintendent

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent with an accredited educational institution.  Employees must have a minimum of two years with an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education or completed and passed the Parapro Praxis Test.  Other requirements per job description.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of one year of successful experience working with children. Other requirements per job description.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hand-eye and mind-eye coordination.  Constant hearing; intermittent speaking, standing, walking and writing.  Frequent carrying, keyboarding, and other repetitive movements.  Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds as needed to move objects often.  

 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Skills in human relations, leadership, and conflict management.  Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students.  Demonstrated skills in the use of technology to enhance student learning.  

 WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform with the essential functions.

The HSSD HR Office has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included.  It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the HSSD reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the HSSD may deem appropriate.

The Hot Springs School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the Hot Springs School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment practices.