JOB GOAL:
To assist the students with special needs to meet goals set in each child's Individual Education Program (IEP) plan. To assist the special education teacher in meeting the special needs of students with IEPs as outlined by the team.
 
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists teachers in the administration, delivery, and evaluation of the student instruction, aligning all activities, assignments, and interventions with Academic Standards in accordance with a child's IEP.
2. Perform duties as determined by the team, which can include daily living skills, behavioral interventions, and schedule implementation.
3. Interprets student needs and progress of students to the classroom teachers and the special education teacher.
4. Assists teachers in preparing for and conducting in service workshops and demonstrations pertinent to methods and materials appropriate to various educational levels.
5. Provides collaborative support in the classroom assisting teachers with the needs of their students with IEPs.
6. Assists teachers in the planning of academically appropriate assignments for individual students in a one on one or small group setting.
7. Assists with the development of special instructional programs for students with special needs.
8. Participates in professional development to effectively work perform duties which are necessary for students with more severe needs (i.e., daily living skills, behavioral interventions, etc).
9. Consults frequently with the teachers about the needs, suggestions, questions, problems, and progress of students with IEPs.
10. Assists teachers with preparation of instructional materials.
11. Responds to new ideas, methods, and suggestions from teachers.
12. Demonstrates professional and flexible attitude/rapport with other staff members.
13. Demonstrates appropriate interaction with the students in the classroom.
14. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior, and assists the teachers in maintaining classroom discipline and control.
15. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
16. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
17. Makes provisions to be available to students for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
18. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
19. Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
20. Other duties as may be assigned.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. AA Degree (or higher); or 60 college credit hours; or passing score on AZ Dept of Education approved Paraprofessional Exam.
3. Experience working with children with special needs.
4. Professional development history which shows knowledge concerning students with special needs.
5. Experience working with students in various levels of instruction.
6. First Aid/CPR Certification required
7. Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
8. Computer skills in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel and student data systems.
9. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: 
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Able to communicate effectively with staff, students, and community members.

REASONING ABILITY: 
Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations..

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls and use a keyboard or keypad. The employee occasionally is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk and sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to ten pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and monitor students on the periphery.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The employee regularly works indoors.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent.
 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
7 hours per day, Monday-Friday
10 Month Position (185 days)
Sick/Personal Leave
Health Benefits
Participation in Arizona State Retirement (ASRS)

REPORTS TO:
Supervising Teacher, Site Principal, Director of Learning Support Services

PAY RATE:
Support Staff Pay Level 5:  Support Staff Wage Schedule