Opportunity Center Paraprofessional (24-25 School Year) - Fort Smith Public Schools

OPEN UNTIL FILLED                                                             

POSITION TITLE: Opportunity Center Paraprofessional 

FLSA: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Principal and Classroom Teacher

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: A full contract for this position is 190 days, with benefits as specified in employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on actual start date.  

BEGINNING: August, 2024

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 60 college hours or has passed the Paraprofessional Praxis Exam 
• Experience working with students in an educational setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of instructional methods and strategies, especially for students with special needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience, flexibility, and a passion for working with children.                     

DISTRICT VALUES

• We will always put student needs first.
• We believe relationships matter.
• We expect accountability.
• We operate with transparency.
• We prioritize student and staff safety.             

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Classroom Support:
• • Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement instructional activities and support lesson plans.
  • Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
  • Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials.
• Student Assistance:
• • Provide one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring their participation in classroom activities.
  • Assist students with tasks such as classroom assignments, tests, and projects.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive environment for all students.
• Behavioral Support:
• • Support positive behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher or special education team.
  • Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or behavior plans for students with special needs.
• Personal Care Assistance:
• • Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, and mobility, as needed.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as nurses or occupational therapists, to implement specific care plans.
• Communication:
• • Maintain open and effective communication with teachers, parents, and other school staff regarding student progress and needs.
  • Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• Supervision:
• • Monitor students during various activities, including in the classroom, on the playground, lunch, and during transitions.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Adaptation and Modification:
• • Implement accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs, in collaboration with the teacher and special education team.
• Work additional hours as directed.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance 
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Present and communicate in a professional manner.
• Attend trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned by administration.

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, squatting.

See Classified Staff Salary Schedule

For our salary schedule, click this link to visit our district website.

If seeing this posting on a job site, please apply here

https://fortsmithschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx if interested.