Job Abstract

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, perform a variety of instructional support duties involved in providing instructional assistance to individuals and small groups of special education students with mild to moderate disabilities; perform a variety of clerical duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
There are four classes of Paraeducator supporting Special Education services. Each class is distinguished by higher level duties and responsibilities, with the Paraeducator Special Ed – Level I being the entry level in this series of classes. Below are the distinguishing characteristics between each level:
Paraeducator Special Ed – Level I: Employees in this class serve students with mild to moderate disabilities and provide instructional support to individuals or small groups of students.
Paraeducator Special Ed – Level II: Employees in this class typically serve students with moderate to severe disabilities, and provide instructional support as well as physical support to students with moderate to severe physical orthopedic and/or intellectual disabilities, in addition to serving younger disabled students that require assistance with toileting/diapering.
Paraeducator Special Ed – Level III: Employees in this class serve students who require 1:1 support more than 50% of the work day, and provide intensive behavioral and/or physical support to students with moderate to severe disabilities. This class is also distinguished by more experience in data collection and academic modification.
Paraeducator Special Ed – Level IV: Employees in this class are distinguished by highly specialized training and experience in identifying specific deficits and suggesting instructional supports and behavioral modifications. Employees in this class are assigned individual caseloads and are skilled in developing data collection and tracking systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Assist with the development, preparation, and reinforcement of learning materials and in the performance of other instructional activities for assigned special education program; assist assigned teacher with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs); provide input into the development of individual educational goals and objectives as assigned.

Accompany students to regular education classrooms and/or in the community; adapt and modify lessons or materials to meet the individual needs of the students.

Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs; notify teacher of any special problems or information concerning students.

Assist staff with the preparation of instructional and testing materials; assist in administering tests; assist in the preparation of graphic and written teaching materials; assist in the ordering of instructional materials and aids as necessary.

Assist individual or small groups of students with academic, social skills and the achievement of IEP goals; reinforce instruction to individuals or small groups in a variety of subjects; develop creative methods and techniques for working with students within the suggested framework of the teacher; review plans with the teacher to ensure correct teaching techniques are being utilized for each student.

Assist in evaluating student progress in a wide variety of skills; correct papers; report progress regarding student performance and behavior to the teacher; assist staff in administering assessment tests as assigned by the position.

Observe and manage behavior and safety of students according to approved procedures; assist in maintaining order among the students in the classroom and on the school grounds; accompany students in field/community trips and observe and model appropriate behavior; accompany students going from one location to another; escort students to the restroom; accompany student to and from the bus; supervise students as needed during other unstructured time such as recess, lunch and other break periods.

Record information, data compiling and maintaining records and files, on student performance.

Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays, and exhibits, operating audiovisual equipment and educational training equipment, distributing and collecting papers and supplies, preparing bulletin board materials, and decorating the classroom; assist in main­taining a neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment.

Operate a variety of standard office equipment including a telephone, copier, computer and assigned software.

Provide routine first aid to injured students according to established procedures as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:
Other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Child guidance principles
Practices related to individuals with special education needs.
Basic subjects taught in schools.
Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Modern instructional equipment, practices and techniques.
Basic record keeping procedures.
General methods of education and tutoring.
General needs, learning styles, and behavior of students.
Basic child development theory and principles.
Basic techniques to motivate students and manage student behavior.
Safe work practices.
Basic first aid and CPR techniques.

ABILITY TO:
Reinforce instruction, as directed by the teacher, to individual or small groups of special education students ranging in age from preschool through early adulthood.
Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of individual education plans.
Assist with the instructional and related activities of the assigned learning environment.
Support the assigned teacher's style of classroom management.
Supervise students according to approved policies and procedures.
Operate modern instructional equipment including computer equipment.
Learn the procedures and functions necessary to perform assigned duties.
Learn instructional terminology, program philosophies, concepts, materials, methods, and procedures.
Learn child guidance principles and practices.
Interact effectively and sensitively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Maintain accurate records.
Maintain confidentiality of student and school information.
Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward individuals with special needs.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Administer basic first aid and CPR as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to: High school diploma or equivalent and one year experience working with individuals with special needs, preferably in an educational environment.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid First Aid and CPR certificates issued by an authorized agency.
Must meet requirements specified under the Federal Accountability mandates.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Classroom environment.
Indoor/outdoor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.

The examination process for this recruitment may be comprised of one or any combination of the following: screening of the applicant's training, background, and experience; scored evaluation of responses on a supplemental application; written examination(s); qualifications appraisal oral examination; performance examination; or technical oral examination, scored on a job-related basis. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. Successful candidates who pass all parts of the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list in order of their relative merit as determined by these competitive examinations.

If your application is accepted to advance in this recruitment, the examination date is as follows:

Written Examination – July 11, 2024

Dates are tentative, but it is highly recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. No Make-Up dates will be offered.

Other Important information: The duration of the eligibility list is one (1) year unless extended by the Personnel Commission. The eligibility list from this recruitment will be used for full-time, part-time and limited term positions.

New employees to the district are place on step A of the salary schedule. The maximum salary is reached after 3 ½ years of employment.

Recruitments that list Promotional and Open Competitive opportunities may result in one of the following: 1) a dual-certified list in which internal employees of the San Lorenzo Unified School District are awarded seniority points to their final passing score before placement on the eligibility list, or 2) two separate eligibility lists consisting of candidates on a promotional only list and an open list. In the latter case, candidates on the promotional list are referred to the hiring authority before candidates on the open. However, where less than three ranks exist on the promotional list, the open list will be utilized to complete a total of three ranks.