PARAPROFESSIONAL II (SPED) - 108 (#523)

At Salt Lake City School District educating children is our primary business.  Salt Lake City School District proudly employs four of the past seven Utah Teachers of the Year and the 2021 Utah School Nurse of the Year, and many of our schools have been recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools. At Salt Lake City School District, our strength is in our diversity.  Our 20,000 students include students from across the globe who speak over 80 different languages. Most of our students come to our District from historically underserved populations.  We invite you to join our world-class learning organization as we prepare our students for life, learning and citizenship.

The ASCEND program is for students in the Salt Lake City School District who have a special education classification and require higher levels of behavioral support and/or mental health needs than a neighborhood school can typically provide. We accept kids from any elementary school in the SLC School District. This is an in-person job. In our program, we provide behavior supports through individualized behavior plans; and mental health supports through our partnership with the University of Utah Psych Ed department. We have three separate classrooms of students, grouped by age and/or ability. We are able to offer up to 29.5 hours of work per week with some flexibility. This position does not include any insurance/benefits.  

A person in this important position helps students learn to be successful behaviorally, socially and academically at school. Job responsibilities would include teaching academic small groups of students under teacher direction, implementing behavior interventions, constant supervision of students and supporting other staff when a student becomes escalated and potentially physically aggressive (for which we provide thorough training). This job can be intense but very rewarding. A successful Para-Professional in the ASCEND program demonstrates the following skills: relationship building, resilience, persistence, reliability, good communication skills, flexibility, and a sense of humor. Positive relationships with adults are very important to our students as you will be a role model and advocate for them.  If this sounds like a job that interests you, please apply and we will contact you to schedule an interview as soon as possible. 

Multiple Vacancies

Hourly Non-Contract
FTE: .7375 (29.5/hrs. per week)
Anticipated Start: 08/23/2022
Open Until Filled

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt  
This position is not benefits eligible
Starting wage: $17.50 per hour (86-MM)

Purpose Statement

The Paraprofessional II – Special Education provides assistance to teaching personnel in the supervision and instruction of special education students; performs classroom clerical tasks; and assists students by meeting special health care needs and developing students’ daily living and behavioral skills.

This position reports to the Principal.

Per Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), interested applicants must be Highly Qualified to be considered for the position. This includes having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent, along with one of the following three items: 1) completed at least two years at an accredited higher education institution (minimum 48 semester hours), or 2) obtained an associates (or higher) degree from an accredited higher education institution, or 3) satisfied a rigorous state or local assessment (Parapro Assessment/PRAXIS ETS) with a score of 460 or higher. The higher education institution official transcripts or diploma, or a copy of the Paraprofessional Assessment must be provided with your application or upon a contingent offer of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school or equivalent
2. Ability to pass a fingerprint and criminal background check
3. Must meet the Highly Qualified Requirements (ESSA)
4. Speak, read, write, analyze, understand, and follow written and verbal communication in English including grammar and punctuation; listen to, and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in a K-12 special education or public employment environment
2. Spanish or other language proficiency, including ability to read, write, speak, and understand

Essential Functions

1. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse individuals and groups of people while maintaining confidentiality and building positive working relationships with employees and stakeholders.
2. Administer first aid and adhere to safety practices.
3. Assist others as required and needed to ensure an efficient and effective work environment. 
4. Report incidents (fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) to maintain the personal safety of students and adhere to district policies, procedures and state law.
5. Administer assessment instruments under the direction of teachers; confer with teachers to assist in evaluating student progress and implement student objectives; prepare and maintain accurate records.
6. Lead small groups and present information to others; participate in various meetings as assigned for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform functions. 
7. Perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages and ratios, read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats.
8. Under the direction of the teacher, use knowledge of age-appropriate activities and stages of child development to implement classroom management techniques, provide classroom interventions, develop effective lesson plans and manage time effectively.
9. Schedule activities and meetings; monitor individual students in a variety of settings (classroom, library, playground activities, bus boarding and exiting, etc.); provide a variety of activities under the direction of the teacher (constructive play, learning in small groups, behavior modification activities, etc.).
10. Perform record keeping and clerical functions using basic job-related equipment (e.g., copying, grading, etc.).
11. Operate physical education equipment and supervise playground activities using standardized methods.
12. Utilize knowledge of students' Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and concepts for Special Education learning to implement learning and behavior plans that meet students' social and behavioral interventions, health care plans, and ensure compliance with IEPs.
13. Adapt to changing work priorities and work with frequent interruptions; work as part of a team by collaborating with own and other work units; be attentive to detail.
14. Work under limited supervision; utilize time-management and prioritization strategies; accurately process detailed information; meet deadlines.
15. Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements efficiently and effectively.
16. As needed, roll, push, pull, bend, reach, stoop, and lift up to 30 pounds.
17. Other duties as assigned.                                                   

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.