Paraprofessional - Special Needs

Definition

Under the general direction of the site Principal or Designee, the Paraprofessional-Special Needs provides support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of students with disabilities (as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the general classroom, a self-contained classroom, or intervention including classroom reading lab; assists in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; provides information to appropriate school personnel; and attends IEP meetings, as necessary or deemed appropriate. The incumbents in this classification provide the school community with specialized instructional support for students with disabilities, which directly supports student learning and achievement.

Examples of Duties/Essential Job Functions

The following alphabetical list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives; may serve in a reading lab setting utilizing District adopted reading curriculum, requiring specialized training, to support students’ reading instruction needs and provide evidence of progress.
• Administers tests and supports homework and make-up work to support teachers in the classroom.
• Assists students with clothing, possessions, and personal care to facilitate students’ adaptation to the school environment.
• Assists students with mobility needs; may accompany student(s) on school bus.
• Assists teacher with students who have qualifying disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) (e.g., behavioral, physical, language, social/emotional, and learning disabilities) to ensure equality of opportunity, full participation, and independent living in the education of students with disabilities.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, approved behavioral training, emergency/lockdown procedures) to acquire and/or convey information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Implements, under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by an IEP team, to present and/or reinforce learning concepts.
• Maintains instructional materials and manual/electronic files/records (e.g., daily Student Service Log) to ensure availability of items, provide written reference, and/or meet mandated requirements.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g., rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeterias, parking lots) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills) to reinforce instructional objectives, implements IEP plans, and ensures students with disabilities succeed in school activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District, including various mandatory District trainings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

(At time of application)

Knowledge of:

• Specific needs, requirements and issues of students with disabilities
• Principles of child development, instructional processes
• General purposes and goals of public education
• Basic K-12 core curriculum subjects
• Techniques used in directing, disciplining and motivating students
• Basic recordkeeping techniques
• Classroom management techniques and playground rules
• Safety practices and procedures
• Conflict resolution procedures and de-escalation techniques

Skills and Abilities to:

• Assist a diverse range of students in developing self-help and social skills
• Assist in planning and prioritizing learning activities to support students with special needs
• Participate in specialized training if assigned to Reading Lab duties
• Perform basic clerical functions
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations
• Operate standard office equipment and software applications
• Use English in both written and verbal form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy with students, administration, and staff
• Actively move around play field, playground or campus for extended periods
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain the confidentiality of student records
• Assume responsibilities involved in supervising and working independently with students
• Develop and maintain collegial relationships with staff
• Meet schedules and deadlines
• Read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies
• Rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations
• Maintain safe environment for students
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students and the public

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.

Employment Standards/Minimum Qualifications

( At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above .)

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

High School diploma or equivalent. Completion of 48 units from a nationally accredited college or university; or A.A. degree or higher, or the passage of a local assessment test.

**MUSD offers a local Paraprofessional assessment test. To be invited to take the assessment, you must complete an online application through this website. For more information, please contact Personnel Specialist Alejandra Venegas-Chaves at alejandravenegaschav@maderausd.org .*

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

One (1) year of experience working with children in a specialized learning environment.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• CPR/First Aid Certificates

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:

• Pass the District’s applicable proficiency exam for the job class with a satisfactory score
• After offer of employment, obtain:
  • Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
  • Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)
  • Pre-employment physical exam B through District’s provider

SALARY SCHEDULE:
Classified Salary Range - 17
Work Calendar - 204 Days
Work Hours: 7 hours/day
Work Location: To be determined

Examination Process

*Materials Required:*
1. Completed application
2. Proof of High School Diploma or Equivalency (copy of official transcript OR copy of diploma is acceptable)

AND
3. Copy of official college transcript indicating the c ompletion of forty-eight (48) units from a nationally accredited college or university, or A.A degree or higher, OR passage of a Paraprofessional local assessment test
4. Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate

**MUSD offers a local Paraprofessional assessment test. To be invited to take the assessment, you must complete an online application through this website. For more information, please contact Personnel Specialist Alejandra Venegas-Chaves at alejandravenegaschav@maderausd.org .*

*PC RULES 5.2.1.2 -5.2.1.2 - In-house employees will have first consideration for the position. If sufficient candidates are not available to complete the three ranks, the Personnel Commission will move to include outside candidates.

The examination process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. No additional information will be accepted from applicants once the application has been submitted. Only the most qualified applicants, who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process.
The examination process will include a competency assessment (100% weight). Those achieving a passing score of 70% out of 100% will be placed on the Eligibility List and ranked based on their scoring. The Eligibility List is valid for one (1) year from the certified date.

PASSING THE EXAMINATION AND BEING PLACED ON THE ELIGIBILITY LIST DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
To move forward in the selection process, you must complete an online application through this website. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE REVISIONS TO YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS.

When completing the application, please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields, including the name and contact information of your supervisors. The experience that is included in the resume but not in the Work Experience section of the application may not be considered for the purpose of determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

All required documents must be submitted by the applicant. Personnel Commission staff will not upload your documents for you. The examination process/examination date is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email to the email address listed on your application.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process please contact Personnel Specialist, Alejandra Venegas-Chaves, at (559) 675-4500 Ext 294 or email alejandravenegaschav@maderausd.org .

ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation in the selection process must inform the Madera Unified School District Personnel Commission Department in writing no later than the filing date stated on the announcement. Those applicants needing such accommodations should document this request including an explanation as to the type and extent of accommodation needed to participate in the selection process.

The Governing Board desires to provide a positive work environment where employees and job applicants are assured of equal access and opportunities and are free from harassment in accordance with the law. The Board prohibits district employees from discriminating against or harassing any other district employees and job applicant on the basis of the person's actual or perceived race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation. The following person is designated as the Title IX Coordinator:

Prince Marshall
Executive Director of Student and Family Support Services
1820 Howard Road, Madera, CA 93637
559-416-5826

Full-time permanent positions (more than 4 hrs/per day) provide an attractive benefit package which includes health, dental and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents. For a detailed list of benefits, visit our website links below.

https://www.madera.k12.ca.us/Page/9901

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• Madera Unified School District - Personnel Commission

• (559) 675-4500 Ext. 295

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