Paraprofessional Educator Special Education Special Programs Secondary

Bargaining Unit: TOTEM
Work Year: 9 months
Work Day: 7.0 hours per day
FTE: Full time, .875 FTE
Salary: T-10, $20.94 to 21.83 per hour, DOE

This position receives an additional $1.00 per each hour worked, not to exceed 8 hours per day. 

Job Summary
The Secondary Special Programs Paraprofessional Educator implements special education services and supports under the direction of a special education teacher. The paraeducator provides instruction assistance to special education students primarily in special education classrooms, as well as in other settings within the schools. The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).

Job Requirements
The following are required:

1. A high school diploma or equivalent, or current enrollment in a GED program.
2. Must meet paraprofessional requirements for the state of Alaska through one of the following methods: 48 college semester credits from a regionally accredited institution, OR a passing score of 459 or greater on the ETS Paraprofessional Assessment exam, OR passing the WorkKeys by ACT assessment, OR passing the ASD provided Master Teacher paraprofessional training.
3. Basic literacy skills in reading, writing, and math.
4. Excellent communication and customer service skills.
5. Ability to establish and maintain a professional relationship with staff, parents, students, administrators, and the public.
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality and inspire confidence and cooperation of staff, parents, students, administrators, and the public.

The following are preferred:

1. Knowledge of first aid.
2. One year of experience working with children with significant disabilities.
3. Basic experience with office equipment and computer literacy skills including word processing, printing, and e-mail.
4. Ability to read and interpret documents such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behavior plans, and lesson plans, etc. under the direction of a special education teacher.
5. Must be able to readily implement details of individual students' behavioral support plans.
6. Ability to remain calm and maintain a professional demeanor during times of conflict and make effective decisions under pressure.
7. Ability to share essential information appropriately with fellow team members to aid in the development of individual student programs.
8. Ability to read and interpret information from a variety of professionals, including psychologists, behavioral specialists, counselors, and mental health specialists and under the direction of these specialists and the special education teacher, appropriately use the information to support students.
9. For programs in neighborhood schools: Overall physical conditioning and ability to provide physical support for students in a variety of settings within the classroom or school. Ability and willingness to be trained on a variety of topics, including Positive Behavioral Supports, positive reinforcement techniques, appropriate behavioral interventions and de-escalation techniques.
10. A valid Alaska driver's license, ASD required vehicle insurance and the willingness to use personal vehicle for department business.

Essential Job Functions

1. Provides special education services and support for students individually or in small groups under the supervision of a special education teacher.  
2. Prepares or modifies instructional materials including assistive technology devices for student use.
3. Collects data in accordance with student IEP goals and objectives as directed by certified special education staff.
4. Collaborates and works cooperatively with colleagues and staff.
5. Follows written and oral instructions and independently follows through on teacher directed programming/strategies.
6. Implements and provides special education services and support for students as detailed in the IEP. Duties will include planning and implementing accommodations and modifications, behavioral and social interventions, and individual behavior improvement plans, providing instructional services, and assisting students to and from the bus.
7. Attends to and provides for s