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