POSITION PURPOSE: Serve as a paraprofessional for behavior-based alternative educational programs. Performs a variety of tasks; assisting the teacher in the development of an instructional program by working with students individually or in small/large groups, preparing instructional materials, assisting in the implementation of classroom discipline, and conducting planned activities using teacher-designated methods and materials. Requires aptitude and skill in working with students' specific disabilities or learning needs.
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt; Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Houston Alternative Learning Opportunities (H.A.L.O.) Program Coordinator and Process Coordinator
EVALUATION: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of Board policy GDN: Evaluation of Support Staff.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
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Minimum of sixty college hours, or an active Missouri substitute certificate.
CERTIFICATIONS:
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Active state of Missouri substitute certification within 30 days of employment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with students, staff, coworkers, and administrators.
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Knowledge and experience of working with children with special needs, preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Embrace and work continually in support of the district mission of “Expecting Excellence… Learning for All.”
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Demonstrate standards of character and behavior to serve as an effective role model for students.
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Demonstrate a positive attitude in working with children with special needs.
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Provide classroom and individual support to students who may be physically and verbally aggressive and display unsafe behaviors.
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Use Crisis Management techniques to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and use restraints only when necessary.
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Record all incidents of restraint on the proper form and provide documentation to the teacher as soon as possible.
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Understand and implement behavior intervention plans that have been developed through the use of Functional Behavior Assessment.
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Provide input and coverage for IEP meetings for students within the program.
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Implement IEPs by working specifically toward identified goals using methods identified by the program coordinator, including behavior intervention plans
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Teach and promote skills that foster student independence, personal responsibility, self-monitoring, and emotional regulation.
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Collect data to monitor student progress toward goals and provide data to the teacher daily
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Apply a gradually progressive system of verbal and non-verbal strategies to effectively de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
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Monitor and maintain facilities for safety and work with other personnel to address safety concerns.
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Maintain a team mentality within the program in order to provide the best services for students in the program.
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Participate in training, including but not limited to Behavior Technician training and Crisis Management training.
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Implement key instructional strategies in one-on-one or small group settings
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Supervise all students and work to anticipate potential roadblocks or triggers for students to provide the safest and most supportive environment possible.
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Assist in classroom behavior management in accordance with the district's discipline procedures, which may include the physical restraint, physical movement, lifting, and carrying of students.
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Serve as a source of information and support to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the classroom teacher.
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Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as instructed.
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Other duties may be assigned.
KEY SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:
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Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Desire to support the student and help meet their needs.
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Patience, self-control, and compassion toward students with special needs.
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Flexibility
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Commitment
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Dependability
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Integrity and fairness
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Punctuality; ability to maintain a good work record.
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Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality of information about children and their families.
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Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in oral and written form.
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Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district and legal requirements.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Nine-month employee. This is an at-will position that may be terminated by either the school district or the employee with a two-week notice. Wages are dependent on experience and education, as determined by the board-approved salary schedule. Eligible for a benefit package as established by the board of education for full-time employees.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The Houston R-I School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Houston R-I School District is an equal opportunity employer.
