FAIRLESS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                    PARAPROFESSIONAL (EDUCATIONAL/CLASSROOM AIDE)                                      File 503

Reports to:           Principal and assigned teacher

Job Objective:     Performs a variety of non-teaching classroom support and student personal care services as directed under the supervision of an assigned teacher.

Minimum         ·   Meets mandated state and/or federal qualification (i.e., completion of requisite higher

Qualifications:     education courses/credit hours, approved degree program, or successful passage of a sanctioned professional standards test.

• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Keeps current with technology and other workplace innovations that support job functions.
• Valid state department of education appropriate for the assignment.
• Ability to assist students with disabilities (e.g., mobility, transferring, positioning, etc.).
• Self-directed, congenial disposition, and strong diplomacy skills.
• Appointment may require successful completion of communicable disease, child abuse/neglect, CPR, first aid, and/or behavioral management training.

Essential              The following are typical work responsibilities.  A reasonable accommodation may be made to

Functions:            enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Checks with the teacher for instructions.  Works with small groups and/or individual students.  Seeks advice when expectations are unclear.  Acquires basic proficiency with assigned student’s special assistance needs (e.g., sign language, finger spelling, etc.).
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.  Promotes a professional image of the school district.  Supports community partnerships that enhance district programs.
• Helps students with remedial and/or enrichment activities.  Reinforces instructional objectives introduced by the teacher.  Maintains a positive learning environment.
• Assists student as requested or when behavior suggests help is needed.  Avoids being intrusive.  Solves student concerns discreetly.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment.  Helps students with disabilities participate in appropriate learning activities as directed.
• Assists with student mobility needs.  Helps students use assistive and/or augmentative devices.
• Assists therapists with standing frames, braces, changing clothing, tube feeding, etc.  Helps incorporate assigned therapy activities into the daily schedule (e.g., stretching, speech assistance, exercises, etc.).
• Positions students to take full advantage of each learning environment (e.g., line-of-sight, proximity to equipment, height of work surfaces, etc.).
• Follows prescribed medical plans and/or assists students with personal hygiene care (e.g., toileting, catheterization, etc.) as trained by a licensed health care professional.
• Helps feed students.  Complies with personal hygiene rules and standard sanitation procedures.
• Actively participates in programmed recreational activities as directed.
• Supervises rest periods when applicable.
• Monitors ill students until a parent/guardian arrives.
• Respects personal privacy.  Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety.  Monitors situations that may indicate a problem.  Provides appropriate student supervision.  Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Upholds the student conduct code.  Maintains high expectations for behavior and performance.
• Works with the classroom teacher to address persistent behavior problems.
• Supervises non-classroom activities as directed (e.g., arrival/departure, lunch, recess, field trips, library, computer lab, etc.).
• Promotes the proper use and care of school property.  Reports discipline problems, vandalism, graffiti, and other related concerns.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.

PARAPROFESSIONAL (EDUCATIONAL/CLASSROOM AIDE)                                                                  Page 2 of 2

• Performs clerical work related to classroom activities.  Prepares and distributes classroom materials.  Maintains records as directed.
• Prepares classroom equipment for use (e.g., computers, media resources, etc.).
• Helps keep program and storage areas orderly (e.g., stores equipment, shelves books, cleans spills, etc.).  Sanitizes equipment as directed.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed.
• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities               The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance

Required:             of assigned duties:

• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Models professional and ethical conduct.  Assumes responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Performs prescribed activities efficiently with limited supervision.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Prepares accurate and timely paperwork.  Verifies and correctly enters data.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Exercises tact and self-control when dealing with other individuals.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.

Working               Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances

Conditions:          and factors that may not be predictable.

• Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Duties may require working in proximity to moving mechanical parts.
• Duties may require wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Potential for exposure to air-borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, noises, and odors.
• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

Performance        Job performance including duties assigned by the superintendent are evaluated according to

Evaluation:          policies/contractual agreements adopted by the Fairless Local School District Board of Education.

                            The Fairless Local School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, and other unforeseen events.