SPED Paraprofessional (2024-2025) - Riverside Elementary School

Position Title: SPED Paraprofessional

Classification: Hourly

Immediate Supervisor: School Principal

Position Overview:

The Special Education Paraprofessional assists students with special needs under the direction of a certified teacher. The
Special Education Paraprofessional can work in a pull-out, push-in or self-contained learning environment. The Special
Education Paraprofessional assists the teacher in general daily classroom activities, gives support to special needs students
in their learning and cares for their physical, emotional health and safety, as well as affirming their abilities and striving to
promote dignity in all relationships. The Special Education Paraprofessional will work closely with one or a few special needs
students on a regular basis in order to provide them the full benefits from their educational placement under the direction
of the supervising teacher(s). The Special Education Paraprofessional assists in providing safe transportation of special
needs students to and from designated locations.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

1. Assists student(s) in any physical or educational tasks assigned by the classroom teacher.
2. Provides reinforcement to students in the areas of social studies, math, science, reading and other areas as directed by the classroom teacher.
3. Supports the classroom teacher on methods, materials and strategies for reinforcements. The teacher will plan all lessons and be responsible for instruction.
4. Aids the classroom teacher, when requested, in communication between home and school.
5. Works with students who may be aggressive or disruptive in class.
6. Assists classroom teacher(s) with maintaining student records.
7. Participates in on-going professional development.
8. Helps organize and plan for meetings with parents of special needs students.
9. Helps collect and/or prepare materials to support student learning.
10. Communicates regularly with teachers as to student’s needs and progress.
11. Assists the bus driver in supervising students to provide safe transportation. This includes assisting young and/or disabled students in boarding and departing the bus as well as assisting students with such physical needs as seating, buckling seat belts and use of other specific safety equipment.
12. Teaches and assists students with loading and unloading the bus properly and the proper safe conduct while riding.
13. Treat all information about the school, teachers, children and their families as strictly confidential.
14. Perform any duties and responsibilities that are within the scope of employment, as assigned by the School Principal and/or District Administration

Education

• An AA degree or 60 hours of college credits or a passing score on a paraprofessional test

Licenses or Certifications

• A valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• CPR and First Aid Certificates
• Substitute Certificate

Experience Level 

• Experience working with an ethnically diverse urban population
• Experience working with minority and ELL students

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Bilingual, English and Spanish. (preferred)
• This position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work and speak effectively with students, teachers, parents and administrators.
• Ability to bend, carry and lift 40 pounds, kneels, push and pull 25 pounds.
• Ability to maintain a safe learning environment.
• The employee may be required to offer physical assistance including toileting or during other adaptive physical education activities.
• The employee may be required to restrain a child. Training will be provided.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as textbooks, teacher manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. (preferred)
• Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance.
• Be capable of physically assisting students with specials needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining, etc.).
• Have demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Have willingness to assume any responsibilities appropriate for the position.
• Maintain order, discipline and safety of students while in transit and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Working Environment

• The work environment is a normal school setting; the noise level ranges from quiet to loud, but is usually moderate.
• The playground setting can include exposure to dirt, dust, and extreme seasonal temperatures.
• Performing the job duties of this position requires the following physical demands: reaching, some lifting, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling.
• The employee may encounter situations where students are physically aggressive and verbally abusive. This may require physical interaction between the employee and student.

Terms of Employment

• Nine-months, At-Will, Hourly; benefits in accordance with Governing Board policies.

District Expectations

• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance. Physical presence is expected as part of a reliable and predictable pattern of attendance.
• Support the district’s vision, mission, goals and Strategic Plan.
• Engage in civility, respect and professionalism.
• Maintain the professional knowledge and skills necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their position.

Our Mission

Preparing Students for College and Advanced Careers Through Rigorous STEM² Academic Programs

Our Vision

To create a high caliber and rigorous private school education within a public school setting