Para Professional

Description

Position Summary  

We are a private Special Education school that provides academics year-round. The Special Education Teacher/Paraprofessional is responsible for creating and implementing lesson plans based on academic goals for each student. They will also provide a positive atmosphere for learning that stimulates problem solving and decision-making with our students. They need to possess classroom management skills, as well as flexibility with lessons plans, as adaptations may need to be made based on the student's needs. They will work in a small classroom setting with Aide support. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Write and implement weekly lesson plans
• Assess the academic needs of each student, informally through observation or orally and communicate what is observed to Academic Lead for support and guidance 
• Meet weekly with Academic Team
• Communicate with families weekly 
• Organize and participate in quarterly progress report meetings
• Document student progress
• Keep classroom clean and orderly
• Create and implement Holiday themed activities 
• Plan and implement Camp Jupiter June and July  
• Provide Academic Aides clear instructions on what academic goals they will be helping student accomplish each day 
• Responsible for setting up and organizing outings 
• Responsible for keeping track of client camp shirts   
• Responsible for taking inventory and requesting any needed supplies. Inform the site manager regarding any items that need purchased 
• Responsible for knowing what supplies are in the craft and supply cabinets 
• Plan activities that utilize the supplies we already have as much as possible            
• Provide academic input for the Academic Lead to update student IEPs
• Help plan and implement the annual Open House
• Always maintain a safe and clean atmosphere for the children, following all safety procedures
• Be a positive role model and Mentor to other staff members and students 
• Be proactive in learning and becoming familiar with ABA and other behavior therapy techniques 
• Supervises children in classroom and outside on outings or fieldtrips
• Performs all other duties as assigned  

Benefits:

Unpaid extended weekend each month.  This may or may not line up with any holidays for that month.  Paraprofessionals/Teachers have additional weeks off during the year.  Please see the Ability Academy calendar for school closure days.

All employees accrue paid-time-off (PTO) to achieve 40 hours or 5 days each calendar year. Accrual begins at the time of hire with access to the accrual balance following the 90-day introductory period.

All employees working at least 30 hours per week, are eligible to enroll to participate for company-sponsored health benefits. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• Current Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate
• High School Diploma or GED 
• Previous experience working in a special education setting, preferably experience with autism  
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of individuals, including staff and parents  
• Must abide by the company policies and procedures 
• Must have valid CPR certification and valid Level 1 Fingerprint clearance card 
• Able to maintain an overall positive and professional disposition and appearance 
• Effectively organize and implement educational activities 
• Physical ability to handle frequent sitting, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling and moving throughout the room. 
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills  
• Experience as a Behavioral Technician very desirable