Paraprofessional

SOUTH BELOIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 320

HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL

Position Title: Special Education Paraprofessional Department: Special Education Reports To: Building Principal Work Location: High School Employment Status: Part-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Education Paraprofessional assists licensed special education teachers and other designated school personnel in providing instructional, behavioral, functional, and personal support to students with disabilities in the high school setting. The employee supports the implementation of students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assists students in accessing the general education curriculum and school activities, and promotes student independence, safety, inclusion, and academic progress. The paraprofessional works under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher and performs assigned duties in accordance with student IEPs, district policies, established procedures, and applicable state and federal laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Instructional Support
• Assist students individually and in small groups with classroom assignments, instructional activities, and educational materials as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Reinforce concepts and skills previously taught by the classroom or special education teacher.
• Assist students with organization, task completion, study skills, time management, and appropriate use of instructional technology.
• Support students in general education classrooms, special education classrooms, resource rooms, vocational settings, and other assigned learning environments.
• Help prepare and organize adapted instructional materials and resources.
• Assist students in accessing accommodations and supports identified in their IEPs.
• Observe and communicate student progress and concerns to the supervising teacher.
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) Support
• Assist in implementing assigned accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids, and support strategies identified in students' IEPs.
• Follow instructional and behavioral procedures established by the special education teacher and other qualified personnel.
• Support the development of academic, communication, social, functional, and independent-living skills as appropriate to student needs.
• Assist with collecting observational data and maintaining assigned documentation related to student performance.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Refer questions concerning IEP interpretation, instructional planning, placement, services, or changes to the supervising teacher or administrator.
• Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support
• Reinforce classroom expectations, school rules, and positive behavior.
• Assist with implementing approved behavior intervention plans and positive behavioral supports as directed.
• Encourage appropriate communication, self-regulation, conflict resolution, and positive peer relationships.
• Assist students with transitions between classrooms, activities, and school settings.
• Recognize and report behavioral concerns, incidents, and safety risks to the appropriate staff.
• Follow district-approved crisis prevention, de-escalation, and emergency procedures when trained and assigned
• Personal Care and Functional Assistance
• Assist students with toileting, feeding, hygiene, dressing, mobility, transfers, and other personal care needs when required by the student's IEP or assigned care plan.
• Support the safe use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology in accordance with training and established procedures.
• Follow applicable health, sanitation, infection-control, and student-specific safety protocols.
• Provide personal assistance in a manner that protects student dignity, privacy, and independence.
• Complete required training before performing assigned specialized care procedures.
• Student Supervision and Safety
• Supervise students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, restrooms when assigned, school grounds, and other designated areas.
• Assist with student arrival, dismissal, passing periods, lunch periods, assemblies, field trips, and other school activities.
• Monitor student safety and promote appropriate conduct throughout the school day.
• Follow emergency procedures and promptly report accidents, injuries, suspected abuse or neglect, and other concerns in accordance with district policy and applicable law.
• Assist students in safely accessing school facilities and participating in educational and extracurricular activities.
• Communication and Collaboration
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers, general education teachers, administrators, related service providers, and other school personnel.
• Communicate student observations, academic concerns, behavioral incidents, and safety issues to the supervising teacher or administrator.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development as assigned.
• Maintain professional boundaries and respectful interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
• Direct parent or guardian questions regarding student progress, grades, services, or educational decisions to the appropriate licensed staff member.
• General Responsibilities
• Assist with classroom preparation, organization, and maintenance of a safe learning environment.
• Support students' participation in vocational activities, community-based instruction, and transition-related activities when assigned.
• Assist with classroom materials, equipment, and assigned records.
• Comply with district policies, employee handbook provisions, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and confidentiality requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the building principal or designated supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Illinois teaching certification, substitute teacher certification, or paraprofessional certification
• Ability to work effectively with high school students with diverse disabilities and educational needs.
• Effective oral and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow directions, maintain confidentiality, and work collaboratively with licensed staff.
• Ability to complete required district training related to student safety, behavioral support, and assigned personal care responsibilities.
• Successful completion of required background checks and other district employment requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of appropriate practices for supporting adolescents with disabilities.
• Ability to follow instructional plans, accommodations, and established student support procedures.
• Ability to establish positive, respectful relationships with students.
• Ability to respond appropriately to behavioral, physical, communication, and functional needs.
• Ability to maintain accurate assigned records and communicate observations clearly.
• Commitment to student safety, inclusion, confidentiality, and independence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position is performed primarily in a high school environment and may require prolonged standing and walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and moving throughout the building. Depending on the assigned position, duties may include assisting students with mobility, transfers, personal care, or the use of adaptive equipment. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

SUPERVISION AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The paraprofessional works under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher. The employee may provide instructional reinforcement and implement assigned student support strategies but does not independently assume the responsibilities of a licensed teacher, make independent educational placement decisions, or revise a student's IEP.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary, benefits, work hours, evaluation procedures, and other employment conditions shall be established by the Board of Education and governed by applicable district policies, employment agreements, and state and federal law.

EVALUATION Performance shall be evaluated by the building principal or designated supervisor in accordance with district policy and applicable evaluation procedures.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Duties may be modified or assigned as necessary, consistent with applicable laws and district policies.