Ekalaka Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Paraprofessional to join our special education team at Carter County High School and Ekalaka Elementary. The ideal candidate will work closely with a Special Education Teacher to reinforce instruction in small groups, assisting students with diverse learning needs in various educational settings. This vital role involves carrying out lessons based on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), maintaining classroom discipline, observing and recording student behavior, and providing supportive care, including assistance with mobility and self-care. Successful applicants will have at least two years of higher education study (or an associate degree or higher), a warm and receptive attitude toward children with special needs, and the ability to effectively collaborate with the entire IEP team. For more details on the specific qualifications and physical demands of this dynamic, non-exempt position, please see the full job description below.

Please fill out and return the Classified Application Form to the office or mail to:
Attention: James Kapptie
Ekalaka Public Schools
PO Box 458
Ekalaka, MT 59324

 

 

EKALAKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Carter County High School & Ekalaka Elementary

Ekalaka, MT

 

TITLE:   Paraprofessional

 

REPORTS TO: Special Education Teacher

 

FLSA Designation:  Non- Exempt

 

 

JOB GOAL: Work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially taught by the teacher.

 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITY:

 

1. Carry out instructional programs and lessons in various learning environments as designated in the instructional plan based on the IEP.
2. Assist individual students in performing activities initiated by the professional.
3. Reinforce learning with individuals or in small groups.
4. Assist in maintaining student discipline.
5. Assist the professional in observing, recording, and charting behavior.
6. Assist the professional with crisis problems and ongoing approaches to behavior management.
7. Participate in building-level duties as assigned by building administrator or designee.
8. Score tests and papers and assist in data collection procedures.
9. Perform clerical tasks, i.e., typing, filing, and duplicating.
10. Assist in preparation, production, and maintenance of instructional materials.
11. Maintain and operate instructional and/or adaptive equipment.
12. Collaborate with the IEP team in an ongoing review of student programs.
13. Attend IEP or other staff meetings at the request of teacher, administrator, or parent.
14. Assist students with mobility and self-care needs.

Only minimum duties are listed.  Other functions may be required as given or assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Completion of at least two years of study at an institute of higher education; obtain an associate or higher degree or meet a rigorous standard of quality; and can demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment the knowledge of and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and math; one year paid or volunteer experience working with children in educational or child-care setting highly desirable, preferably involving children with special needs.
•  Knowledge of general concepts of child growth, development, and behavior characteristics in special education programs assigned.
•  Knowledge of special education goals and objectives.
•  Basic arithmetic concepts.
• Learn and utilize standard teaching aids and office machines.
•  Perform routine clerical work and light typing.
•  Learn and utilize basic methods and procedures to be followed in instructional settings in special education programs of assignment.
•  Demonstrate understanding, patient, warm, and receptive attitude toward children with special needs.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
•  Maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, parents, and general public.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employment and student matters.
• Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT USED:

 A variety of electronic and technology devices, copier, telephone/voice mail, fax, special needs equipment including wheelchairs, lifts, etc.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside but may be assigned to outside activities.  The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.

 The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, walk, and stand; twist at neck, bend at waist; kneel; reach.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments.  May be required to lift or move up to 25 pounds.

 MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:

 While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work.  The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another).  Guidance and reinforcement are usually available.  The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity.  The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications.

 The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For those classified employees employed under a written contract for a specified term, nothing contained in this job description shall create a property right beyond the specified duration of the employment contract.

 TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: As established by the Board.

 

EVALUATION: Performance of this job to be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board’s Policy on Evaluation of Administrative Personnel.

 

Reviewed and agreed to by: __________________________________ Date ________________

 

Superintendent: _______________________________ Date ____________________

 

Board Chairman: ______________________________ Date ____________________

 

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.  The purpose of this Job Description is to illustrate the nature of the job.  It does not in any way represent an employment contract.