Paraprofessional/Direct Support Professional - MindWorks Collaborative

Our school partners are looking for a paraeducator/direct support professional to join their team. Your central role is to support children with disabilities to learn, grow and become more independent. You are also there to provide assistance to the lead teachers with the management and organization of a classroom. If you enjoy interacting with children with intellectual, developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities and supporting their instructional and clinical teams and families, we’d like to meet with you.

You will excel in this role if you exhibit compassion, support students and adults, and ensure a safe environment. The strongest incumbents foster independence and personal choice by guiding individuals in acquiring necessary skills, such as social behavior or interpersonal competence so individuals have greater self-reliance in their day-to-day lives.In addition to providing positive guidance for students, you will attend to their physical needs as well as academic and emotional well-being. You will provide much-needed support during instruction time.

Under their supervisor's and lead teacher's direction, the paraprofessionals will work with children individually or in small groups by providing basic instruction on reading, writing, math, and other education-related activities as assigned. Ultimately, you will lead and supervise various developmentally appropriate events depending on the directed teacher's instructions. You should show flexibility, patience, and a genuine caring attitude towards students.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the classroom to promote a healthy and safe learning environment
• Ensure classroom safety guidelines are met at all times
• Utilize various techniques to be successful in managing students
• Engage with children to enhance and encourage learning
• Assist the teacher in modifying materials to meet the specific needs of a child
• Provide basic caregiving duties, support, and encouragement in all aspects of development
• Assist with other personal or physical care assistance
• Take necessary precautions to protect students
• Monitor the classroom and minimize distractions and disruptions
• Assist students with disabilities with their daily school activities
• Administer medication(s) according to guidelines
• Aid in implementing treatments, training programs, and developmental/behavioral plans
• Encourage and facilitate school participation
• Document all observations and daily progress notes
• Communicate effectively with team members
• Transport and accompany students to appointments, outings, and field trips
• Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned by your supervisor

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Proven work experience as a Paraprofessional or similar role
• Must complete and pass a criminal background check and drug test
• Passionate, dedicated, and committed to teaching children
• Experience in helping teachers in a classroom environment desired
• Dependable and punctual
• Good understanding of the educational system
• Strong interpersonal and social attributes
• Have patience with children, including those with disabilities
• Ability to stand, move around, and squat for long hours at a time

• Basic computer skills
• CPR/First Aid training (Preferred)

Benefits

Benefits and compensation vary. Dependant on the school/organization.