Challenge Paraprofessional  Job ID 662

Position Type:

 Paraprofessional/Instructional

Date Posted:

 8-22-2018

Location:

 Challenge/Journey Programs

Position Purpose:

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students with emotional/behavioral needs in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives. Students are served on a self-contained campus serving students throughout the Denton County Special Education Cooperative.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties:

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Works with adolescents with aggressive behavior.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Qualifications Profile:

• Any combination of educational and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Prefer candidates with experience or training in working with children with learning disabilities and/or behavioral issues. Experience working with adolescents with aggressive behavior helpful.

Other Information:  The Challenge Program is a Special Education Behavioral Adjustment Program in Sanger, TX serving students from various individual independent school districts in the area.

FLSA Status:   Non-exempt