POSITION TITLE: Paraprofessional - Special Education Para

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Special Education Paraprofessional’s primary responsibilities include assisting the classroom teacher(s) and other support personnel with instruction.  The Paraprofessional also helps monitor student progress and performance by collecting data and maintaining records. 

MINIMUM JOB RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An Associate's degree, OR completion of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours at an institution of higher learning, OR demonstrated proficiency in the ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing and mathematics via state or locally approved competency test.
• Maintain high level of confidentiality regarding student and staff information.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps and reach overhead
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Follows written and oral directions to carry out educational programs of students.
• Committed to helping all children learn - assist students and reinforce learning concepts for individual or small groups
• Regular daily attendance is essential
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness
• Ability to work with diverse populations and handle situations with tact and diplomacy
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly and professional manner
• Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability and stamina for a full day of various physical activity

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by certified staff. 
• Observe and record behavior, as well as assist in the utilization of behavior modification techniques designed by the teacher.
• Develop and maintain a professional rapport with classroom teacher and other staff.
• Assist students at arrival and dismissal of school. 
• Committed to helping all children learn - assist students and reinforce learning concepts for individual or small groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development and in-service trainings
• Performs assigned supervision of students during lunch periods and recess periods.
• Ability to organize and retrieve materials and organize schedules according to guidelines.
• Knowledge of computers with the ability to assist students with educational technology to include software.
• Performs other duties as assigned

OTHER INFORMATION:  

Reports to: Building Principal

Work Schedule: 6.50 hours per day, Monday through Friday, 10 Month, Non-Exempt

Salary: Wages are administered consistent with negotiated agreement or board adopted salary schedule.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.