Paraprofessional - Superior Shores Classroom

SUMMARY :

The Paraprofessional assists the teacher in general daily classroom activities, such as helping him/her achieve educational goals, assisting with student behavior issues, providing supervision of students, and ensuring student safety.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the classroom teacher. ​​​​​​​

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Assist in the maintenance of an orderly classroom and a healthy, safe, and positive learning environment.

• Provide support for students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.

• Assist the teacher in planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities.

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team including teachers, therapists, administrators, and families to implement individualized supports.

• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with fidelity in collaboration with certified staff and mental health providers.

• Utilize trauma-informed care principles to support students experiencing emotional dysregulation or behavioral challenges.

• Support students' emotional regulation and coping skill development through modeling, reinforcement, and therapeutic strategies.

• Apply de-escalation techniques and proactive behavior support strategies to prevent and respond to behavioral crises.

• Facilitate student transitions between activities and environments, reinforcing replacement behaviors and expected routines.

• Promote positive behavioral supports during both structured academic time and unstructured settings.

• Assume responsibility for small group and 1:1 activities to reinforce learning concepts and help with mastery of skills.

• Assist the teacher and students with general instructional and assistive technology devices.

• Assist students in gaining the highest level of independence possible through shaping, modeling, and prompting.

• Assist with classroom management and enforcement of rules.

• Provide consistent communication and feedback regarding student progress, behavior data, and effectiveness of interventions.

• Collect and record accurate data related to behavior goals and therapeutic objectives, and assist in monitoring student progress.

• Assist in the implementation of behavioral, physical, occupational, speech, and other specialized therapies.

• Complete Handle With Care training and participate in annual recertification, and attend staff and team meetings.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters, assist with student records, and perform other duties as assigned.
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OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to deal with issues in a fair manner, treat diverse populations with dignity and respect, and act in a highly ethical manner.
• Ability to maintain safety and promote student dignity during behavioral incidents.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment yet maintain flexibility in thinking and actions.
• Proficiency in computer/software use including Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Zoom.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow safety procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for students.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment.
• Ability to engage in coaching, consultation, and supervision from certified behavioral and mental health staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Graduate or earned GED
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with parents/guardians, local school districts, teachers and administration to provide a continuum of services for students
• Willingness and ability to work in classroom with adolescents who have significant behavioral and mental health needs
• Ability to work in a team centered approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literate

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 90 college credit hours or Associate Degree
• Interest and experience working one-to-one with students

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Must keep the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA and LEAs confidential at all times
• Must uphold confidentiality of student information, and other privileged and/or sensitive information
• May include summer hours
• May require limited travel for training and/or field trips

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time position during the academic year. Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.

REPORTS TO: Program Administrator - Specialized Classrooms (for positions at Superior Shores, Teaching Family Homes, Great Lakes Recovery) or Special Education Supervisor (for positions at Transition Classrooms)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: According to Marquette-Alger RESA AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement

Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Marquette-Alger RESA’s Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ .