EBD Special Education Paraprofessional

Description

SUMMARY:

The Alternative School Paraprofessional reports directly to the Alternative Education Center Director and works with students who require a more structured educational setting that focuses on their social and emotional learning as well as academics in an alternative setting. The Alternative School Paraprofessional assists the Alternative School Teacher(s) in providing social and emotional instruction as well as general academics to students with emotional and behavioral deficits in an off-site setting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work collaboratively with a strong teaching/support team involving a variety of educational professionals.
• Contribute to a positive, student centered teaching team.
• Support students with emotional and behavioral challenges and assist them in developing appropriate social and regulation skills. 
• Works with students, both in-group settings or individually, for the purpose of assisting with specific instructional tasks.  
• Support the classroom teacher in all aspects of classroom management, preparation and implementation of current teaching strategies.  
• Provides and fosters a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment for students with emotional and behavioral challenges; attending to their academic and emotional needs.
• Use NVCI Training methods when the need arises. 
• Perform clerical work, including: attendance, daily recording of behaviors, updating student files with academic, medical and behavioral reports. 
• Take responsibility for professional growth based on feedback, research and best practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience, Education and Licensure:

• Solid educational background including a High School diploma.
• Special Education Program Aide certification from the WI Department of Public Instruction, which can be applied for after hire and is reimbursable. 
• Current knowledge of specific disabilities, including trauma informed care & de-escalation strategies, appropriate instructional techniques/methods, positive behavioral interventions, and effective classroom organization. 
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification in NonViolent Crisis Intervention Training.
• Prior experience in behavioral self-contained classrooms or Special Education preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Model the core values of the agency.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with diverse work teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate an overall work environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
• Positive attitude, growth mindset and solution focused 
• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures consistently and objectively. 
• Communicate effectively and timely, both verbally and in writing, to a diverse audience.
• Plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Remain flexible in order to adapt to changes in the work environment.
• Excellent time-management with ability to manage schedules and meet deadlines.
• Problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.
• Work accurately with close attention to detail.
• Exhibit a high degree of confidentiality of sensitive information and process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Work effectively, professionally and tactfully with internal agency staff and external clients. 
• Ability to set and meet high standards of customer service (internal and external).
• Exhibit a professional, businesslike appearance and demeanor.
• Computer skills, including email, Google Drive, word processing and virtual meetings.
• Professionally represent the agency and public, private and parochial school districts in interactions with staff, customers and community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work Environment:

• Ability to work in multiple settings, including several Alternative School Programs and CESA 6 office locations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands:

• The employee is regularly required to effectively communicate in person, via phone and in writing.
• The employee may occasionally push, pull, carry, lift or move equipment up to 20 pounds.
• Due to the physical nature of students within the Alternative Schools Program, the position may be required to perform trained crisis prevention techniques, which may require restraining a student ranging in weight and/or height.
• Ability to react quickly to student’s movement and behavior.
• Prolonged sitting or