Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for a Paraprofessional III 1:1 at Florida Mesa Elementary School.  Position is 36.25 hours/week, 7.25 hrs/day and includes health, dental and life insurance as well as paid sick and personal leave.  Begins 8/15/17.

Job Title:  Paraprofessional III                                            Pay Grade:  Classified, Range 6

Job Family:  Student Support                                             FLSA Status:  Non-exempt              

Department: Student Services and School Based                 Prepared Date: December 17, 2013

Typical Work Year:  9 months

SUMMARY:  Provide instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students with significant support needs, under the direction and immediate supervision of a licensed school professional.  Services provided may vary based on Individual Education Plans (IEP) and requirements to provide services in the least restrictive environment.  Assists student in developing functional life skills and in maintaining personal health and hygiene functions; assists students to and from classes and bus stops.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  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.  The frequency and percentage of time of duties may vary based on building or department assignment.

D          40%             Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small, and large group settings.  Assist in facilitating the execution of Individualized Education Plans for students under the direction of licensed staff.  Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum.  Enforce district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and assist in meeting student behavioral goals.  Supervise and facilitate students in the classroom and a variety of settings that may include the lunchroom, playground, field trips, extra-curricular activities, or on-the-job training.

D          30%           Assist special needs students in performing daily routines, including getting to and from class and bus

 stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene, including working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization.

D           5%            Sanitize, disinfect and clean learning environment and general work area of all bodily fluids.

D           5%            Facilitate and encourage speech and language development through the use of alternate communication

  systems such as sign language or voice activated computer systems.

D          10 %          Implement specialized therapy programs; work directly with therapists on physical progress and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

W         5%            Assist the licensed staff by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records.  Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA.)

M           2%           Attend and participate in district and building in-service opportunities and committee work.

Ongoing 3%         Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: High school diploma or equivalent.  Basic Skills Competence (Minimum 2 years of college, e.g. associates degree, or 48 semester hrs of college coursework) OR Pass paraprofessional test (CDE and NCLB qualifications) prior to being hired.

EXPERIENCE: Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS:  CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; required one month after hire.  Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within three months of hire.  Colorado driver’s license and school district small vehicle operator permit may be required.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES: 

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills

• Consultation skills

• Ability to assist in developing and support the behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems

• Ability to use effective interventions for at risk learners

• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis

• Knowledge of developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities

• Experience in data collection and data analysis

• Ability to develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings.

• Non-violent and physical intervention techniques

• Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure

• Knowledge of first aide skills

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers.

• Operating knowledge of special communication systems, speech computer (Dynovox or Macaw) preferred.

• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

Durango School District 9-R is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District 9-R, 201 E 12th Street, Durango, CO 81301, (970) 247-5411, lgalido@durango.k12.co.us, or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, (303) 844-5695.