Paraprofessional - Enhancement Job #4576

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY

POSITION TITLE: Paraprofessional

ASSIGNMENT: Paraprofessional - Enhancement

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A high school diploma or equivalent
2. Physical Requirements: Ability to perform essential functions and tasks which may include exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force as frequently as necessary; lifting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, pulling, and pushing, if required
3. Satisfactory clearance of a criminal history records check and drug screening

ADDITIONAL DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. If clerical duties are to be assigned, typing skills at 40 words per minute
2. Has demonstrated skill in using materials, equipment and procedures associated with the performance of duties in the specific position
3. Physical requirements to perform essential functions and tasks which may include exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 5 pounds of force as frequently as necessary; lifting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, pulling, and pushing, if required (ESE student paras and pre-k handicap paras)
4. Includes Pre-K paras, IDEA paras, clerical paras, student paras, and student employment assistant paras (paras transporting students must hold and maintain a valid Florida driver's license, with a good driving record showing no DUI convictions)
5. If serves as Highlands Parent Assistant/Liaison, responsibilities would include:

• Facilitates BEESS Parent Survey
• Provides families with information and guidance on how to access educational and community services and navigate the Exceptional Education process
• Emphasizes and strengthens family roles and responsibilities in the education process
• Enhances partnerships between the schools and community support services
• Strengthens home-school relationships by facilitating positive proactive communication between families and educators
• Increases awareness of family issues and concerns in schools and communities
• Accompany families as a support member at IEP meetings
• Provides informational workshops for parents
• Participates in district/agency committees to provide parent perspective

PAY GRADE:  8, 9, 10

Paygrade 8: Enhancement para with high school diploma/GED certificate

Paygrade 9: Enhancement para with SFSC  Certificate of Completion of Instructional Assistant or passing score on Para Pro Assessment

Paygrade 10: Enhancement para with AA, AS, AAS degree or higher

PRIMARY PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. May work with school staff preparing materials, copying paperwork, and/or other clerical duties as assigned.
2. May be assigned to individual students to assist with special needs.
3. May be trained in special assistive devices, hygiene, feeding, and toileting.
4. May assist students and paras in instructional capacity.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:   

Performs all other duties as assigned by classroom teacher and/or school administrator

TERM:

Length of contract and number of hours worked are determined by specific allocation as approved annually during planning/budgeting process

APPRAISAL: 

Performance will be appraised annually in accordance with School Board policies

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Except as provided by law, The School Board of Highlands County shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or genetic information, exclude individuals from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity in any employment condition or practice, or be denied equal access to school facilities if the organization is The Boy Scouts of America or other patriotic youth groups.

APA Approved 7/28/2015
Modified 5/17/2016
Board Approved 4/25/2017
Modified 8/19/2021

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL PERSONNEL:

All applicants for positions offered by the School Board of Highlands County will be evaluated for possession of the following personal qualities:

1. Honesty, dependability, punctuality, accuracy, and diligence on the job
2. Ability to relate well to fellow workers, parents, students, and the general public
3. Habits of dress, grooming, and personal conduct suitable to the work site and school environment
4. Willingness to use professional practices appropriate to public service and school settings