Paraprofessional/Direct Support Professional

Our school partners are looking for a paraeducator/direct support professional to join their team. Your central role is to support children with disabilities to learn, grow and become more independent. You are also there to provide assistance to the lead teachers with the management and organization of a classroom. If you enjoy interacting with children with intellectual, developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities and supporting their instructional and clinical teams and families, we’d like to meet with you.
You will excel in this role if you exhibit compassion, support students and adults, and ensure a safe environment. The strongest incumbents foster independence and personal choice by guiding individuals in acquiring necessary skills, such as social behavior or interpersonal competence so individuals have greater self-reliance in their day-to-day lives.In addition to providing positive guidance for students, you will attend to their physical needs as well as academic and emotional well-being. You will provide much-needed support during instruction time.
Under their supervisor's and lead teacher's direction, the paraprofessionals will work with children individually or in small groups by providing basic instruction on reading, writing, math, and other education-related activities as assigned. Ultimately, you will lead and supervise various developmentally appropriate events depending on the directed teacher's instructions. You should show flexibility, patience, and a genuine caring attitude towards students.
Responsibilities
Prepare the classroom to promote a healthy and safe learning environment
Ensure classroom safety guidelines are met at all times
Utilize various techniques to be successful in managing students
Engage with children to enhance and encourage learning
Assist the teacher in modifying materials to meet the specific needs of a child
Provide basic caregiving duties, support, and encouragement in all aspects of development
Assist with other personal or physical care assistance
Take necessary precautions to protect students
Monitor the classroom and minimize distractions and disruptions
Assist students with disabilities with their daily school activities
Administer medication(s) according to guidelines
Aid in implementing treatments, training programs, and developmental/behavioral plans
Encourage and facilitate school participation
Document all observations and daily progress notes
Communicate effectively with team members
Transport and accompany students to appointments, outings, and field trips
Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned by your supervisor
Requirements
High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.
Must be 18 years of age or older
Proven work experience as a Paraprofessional or similar role
Must complete and pass a criminal background check and drug test
Passionate, dedicated, and committed to teaching children
Experience in helping teachers in a classroom environment desired
Dependable and punctual
Good understanding of the educational system
Strong interpersonal and social attributes
Have patience with children, including those with disabilities
Ability to stand, move around, and squat for long hours at a time
Basic computer skills
CPR/First Aid training (Preferred)
Benefits
Benefits and compensation vary. Dependant on the school/organization.