Position Summary

Under the immediate supervision of an assigned school administrator or director, the General Education Paraprofessional will implement lessons and curriculum of a classroom or program teacher under the certificated teacher’s direction as part of an education team. The General Education Paraprofessional provides instructional assistance to students individually and/or in groups according to state standards, classroom objectives and the Individualized Education Program (IEP). This may include implementing health and/or behavioral plans and providing emergency health-related assistance to students as needed. Other duties include direct supervision of students, implementing evidence-based teaching strategies and maintaining/preparing classroom environments/materials.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform any combination of these duties.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position works directly with students to advance their academic and individualized goals.  The General Education Paraprofessional provides direct and indirect instructional support to students as part of a class or program education team within the classroom or community environments under the direction of the assigned certificated teacher.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports directly to the assigned school administrator or director for the program to which they are assigned.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

• Assist individual students and small groups of students with reading, writing, arithmetic, communication skills and other related activities in the classroom.
• Assist in the disposition and care of instructional supplies and materials.
• Assist in creating a learning environment in which caring relationships are formed and where motivation toward learning is fostered.
• Interact with students as part of the educational team in their activities, including recreation-oriented learning activities.
• Assist in some of the clerical aspects of teaching.
• Assist in creating a learning environment that stimulates the desire to learn.
• Assist in maintaining an orderly classroom with constant attention given to safety and security.
• Assist the assigned certificated teacher to directly implement lesson plans and educational interventions.
• Observe, monitor and provide proactive behavioral direction to students.
• Be responsive to the unique needs of each student.
• Implement behavior strategies and support behavior plans under the direction of the administrator, instructor, behavior specialist or school psychologist.
• Supervise classroom, outdoor areas, community and field trip activities.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with diverse students, families and colleagues.
• Willingly engage in learning new instructional techniques and participate in employer lead professional development.
• Reflect, collaborate, and provide input to lessons with team members regarding lessons and engage in problem solving to enhance the impact of educational lessons and environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge of principles and practices of age- and grade level-appropriate academic guidance applicable to an educational setting.
• Behavior management strategies and techniques relating to pupils experiencing difficulties.
• Basic knowledge and skills using personal computers, recording information, and sending communication.
• Philosophy of the program and the willingness to help implement it.
• Applicable security measures set up by the staff involved.
• Number concepts.
• Classroom computer and other instructional equipment.
• Data record-keeping systems.
• Wellness practices.
• Cultural differences.

Ability to:

• Work productively and cooperatively with teachers, students, and parents in both formal and informal settings, and to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students.
• Receive instruction and training in relevant areas.
• Be sensitive to cultural, social, economic and racial characteristics and diversities.
• Actively engage in activities with students including play, bend, kneel, lift and sit at a student’s level.
• Read and comprehend written materials in printed and digital format, ,
• Monitor and observe students (visual acuity).
• Ambulatory ability to move around a classroom and assist with recreation-oriented learning activities.
• Communicate effectively with students and families/caregivers, staff members, and representatives of other agencies in person, by telephone, by email/computer-based technologies, in both formal and informal settings.
• Maintain a continuing relationship with the same students and staff over a prolonged period.
• Provide appropriate social, emotional and behavioral supports to meet student needs.
• Maintain emotional control in difficult situations.
• Request assistance when needed.
• Learn and apply with good judgement laws, rules, practices, and procedures related to public education for students and related to the program to which assigned.
• Function independently with assigned tasks.
• Perform routine clerical work; accurately and efficiently input data.
• Be able to work directly with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability and socioeconomic groups, while maintaining a kind and professional demeanor free of discrimination.
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and schedules.
• Ability to change communication style in multiple cultural environments.
• Recognize hazards to safety.
• Collaborate and maintain a productive and safe learning environment.
• Organize and prioritize work & manage time effectively.
• Drive a vehicle and get to assigned station.
• Collect data under the guidance of the teacher or specialist.
• Prepare instructional materials, such as art and other activities.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience

Minimum required

• High School Diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• AA degree, 48 units of college semester units, or passed County Paraprofessional exam
• Current CPR certification (or the ability to obtain certification within 3 months of hire)
• Successful completion of CPI training within 6 months of hire

Preferred Experience

• 1 year of experience working with at-risk students.
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Sign Language, Hmong is highly desirable).

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

This position will be assigned to an educational setting, typically in a classroom, where multiple students, staff, and families/caregivers are present.  The employee will be expected to work closely with other County offices, District personnel, students, families/caregivers, medical professionals, outside agencies, and private partners. Employees may be required to walk, stand, or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud and/or upset students, staff, and/or families/caregivers, varied temperatures, public interaction, and/or dysregulated students. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids and interactions with students that may cause physical injury, and/or mental and emotional distress during the completion of required tasks.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, with or without accommodations, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and/or move about quickly for extended periods in varied settings (indoor or outdoor). Move materials and equipment, including holding, reaching, pushing and pulling equipment & supplies up to 50 pounds, walk, speak and hear. The employee will need to frequently perform repetitive hand/finger movements for activities such as, but not limited to, using a keyboard, administering medication (condition-specific training will be provided to do so), and performing other related duties. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, bend, reach with hands/arms, lift, stoop, kneel and crouch.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.

May occasionally be asked to drive with or without students, which would require a California driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Classified Range 4
Revised 5/20/2026
Approved 7/9/26