Job Summary

Under general supervision of the classroom teacher, to assist in providing specialized instructional services to individual students or small groups with exceptional needs; monitor and report student progress regarding behavior, performance and instructional interventions.

Examples of Duties

Has primary responsibility to provide support services and instructional tutoring to assigned student; may work with students in small groups to tutor, reinforce or follow up on learning activities; assists by guiding students and/or providing a model in a variety of areas; assists in physical development and fitness, communication, personal hygiene (i.e. feeding, grooming, toileting), academic learning and vocational skills; uses established guidelines as a pattern to individualize instruction to needs of learner; assists in the general supervision of the classroom, outdoor playground, community mobility and field trip activities; may provide instruction in dance, games and music; assists with classroom preparation and clean up; provides for protection and safety to all students assigned, may operate mechanical equipment such as orthopedic braces and mechanical supports or other devices.

Employment Standards

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or comparable demonstration of basic competence and one year of paid or voluntary experience working with children
• Two years of college training related to psychology, child development or education may be substituted for one year of experience working with children
• Training or experience working with special needs children is desirable
• A passing score on the Paraprofessional test

Knowledge of:

• Learning patterns and behavior;
• Basic concepts of child development and behavior characteristics;
• Personal hygiene and mental health practices;
• Reading and writing in English, including grammar and composition;
• Classroom computer and other technical equipment.

Ability to:

• Communicate with assigned child and motivate him/her to participate in learning activities;
• Learn to teach in special subject matter areas or to teach children who have special learning needs;
• Maintain emotional control under difficult situations;
• Learn and adapt to new procedures and conditions;
• Apply knowledges and practices with judgment;
• Maintain a continuing relationship with the same students and staff over a prolonged period;
• Recognize hazards to safety;
• Learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to public education for children and related to the program to which assigned;
• Perform routine clerical work;
• Speak distinctly in English or communicate in sign language;
• Supervise one or more children in the classroom and out of doors;
• Read and comprehend fine print, such as texts, catalogs, etc.;
• Communicate effectively via telephone, computer modem and in person;

Description of Physical Requirements:

• Position requires moderate physical exertion associated with the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or climb.
• Position requires physical capability for sustained physical work; requires strength and endurance associated with moderate physical effort.
• Position requires moderate physical effort while performing continuous moderate lifting.
• Lifting 50 pounds maximum or carrying any object weighing up to 25 pounds

Personnel Commission Approved: 4/19/2022 | Range 4