Paraprofessional Special Education

Haverhill Public Schools is a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration.

Summary:

• Title of Position: Educational Support Personnel – Special Education
• Full-time position - Bilingual preferred
• Work Year: Ten (10) Months - 182 Days - 6, 6.5 or 7 hours per day; Twelve (12) Months - 227 Days - 6, 6.5 or 7 hours per day
• Effective Date of Employment: 2024-2025 School Year
• Salary: In accordance with the Educational Support Personnel Salary Scale:

• Associate Degree or Equivalent - $21.32 per hour
• Bachelor Degree - $24.36 per hour

Organizational Relationship or Line of Authority:

Directly responsible to the Principal for all matters pertaining to the building and to the Director of Special Education for all matters pertaining to special education.

Statement of Duties:

• Under the supervision of a certified teacher, and in accordance with the student’s IEP, prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
• Assist the teacher in implementing special strategies and interventions developed by the teacher for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with respect as individual members of the community.
• Assist in the teaching process and work directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics, social skills, self-care (ADLs), and vocational tasks.
• Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
• Assist with addressing student behaviour and encouraging effort in the classroom.
• Ability to use online platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc. In person and virtually.
• Completion of the onboarding process including familiarization with and responsibility for implementation of students’ IEP, district policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a resource person for the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
• Assist in behavioural interventions/able to achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
• Assist in implementing treatment plans, safety plans, behaviour plans, etc. for various students in order to create a successful learning experience.
• Data collection as instructed.
• Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, RBT, etc.).
• Be able to apply ABA strategies (training provided).
• Execute discrete trials, de-escalation techniques, positive behavioural interventions (training provided).
• Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
• Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).
• Work with individuals and small groups of students to:

• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with self-help and independence skills.
• Implement remedial and review exercises, practice, and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
• Aid independent study, enrichment, or remedial work as provided by the teacher.
• Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist in test taking, use of instructional technology, and reading to students.
• Observe and make notes of the observation on performance and behaviours.
• Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.

• Escorting and supervising the movement of students throughout the school.
• Proctoring testing and providing make-up work assistance.
• Toileting, including diaper changing.

• Provide supervision/monitoring of students during breaks, lunches, community trips, and other times as assigned/necessary, including covering for absent members of the teaching staff.
• The supervision of pupils passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
• Assist students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
• Temporary assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties (lunchroom, recess, and playground duties will be assigned).

Qualifications:

• Passing score on the Para Pro Test or other state-approved assessment program or 48 college credits or Associate Degree.
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prefer prior experience with working with children in a school or similar setting.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move in and out of an office, classrooms, buildings, and up and down stairs.
• Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Strength to lift and/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel, and move easily on and off floor mats.
• Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others; ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect for the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
• Computer literate.
• Ability to learn and use assistive technology.
• Ability to use online platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc. In person and virtually.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools may find appropriate and acceptable.

Closing Date for Receipt of Application: November 25, 2024

An Equal Opportunity Employer: The Haverhill Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is in compliance with Federal regulations prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or disability.