Job Description

Description

Job Title: Special Education Paraprofessional

Application Notice:
When applying for this position, please note that if you are recommended for hire, you will be required to apply for Tier 1 certification prior to the start of employment. The certification fee is $12.00 and is paid directly to the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Norman Public Schools personnel will provide detailed instructions during the employee processing phase.

Credentials

Tier 1 (Title I) Paraprofessional Requirements
(Applicant must meet at least one of the following):

• Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (minimum of 48 hours of college coursework); or
• Obtained an associate's degree (or higher); or
• Taken and passed the WorkKeys, ParaPro, or Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).

Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate — or a willingness to complete the Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements and obtain the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate within 120 days of employment.

Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination.

Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements

(All of the following must be completed to obtain and maintain certification):

• Complete the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training at a Career Tech Center, state-approved LEA training, or training modules in PEPPER.
• Complete and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete training in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Complete an additional six (6) hours of professional development in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens each school year following initial certification.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• College hours are preferred and may assist in meeting Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.

Training/Experience Required

• Must meet Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.
• Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, or clerical duties preferred.

Reports to: Building Principal

Contract: 175 Days

Salary Schedule: Teacher's Assistant

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Essential Job Functions

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students in instructional settings, off-campus activities, and non-instructional activities (recess, assemblies, drills, lunch periods, etc.).
• Supervise students in the teacher's absence.
• Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials and teaching aids as directed.
• Assist students with assignments and help set up or operate instructional equipment.
• Serve as the main point of contact for substitute teachers.
• Assist teachers with student behavior management and respond appropriately to student needs.
• Alert the teacher to any special needs of students.
• Provide assistance with external feedings (e.g., feeding tubes) or personal care (e.g., toileting, catheterization, diaper changes) as needed.
• Assist students with boarding or exiting transportation and supervise before or after transport as needed.
• Perform light housekeeping to maintain a clean and safe classroom environment (e.g., washing dishes, disinfecting surfaces, defrosting freezers).
• Prepare snacks for students as required.
• Ride afternoon bus routes to supervise student behavior when assigned.
• Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers. Assist with obtaining classroom supplies.
• Assist with compiling and sending home student work or weekly parent communications.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills to provide support and handle issues effectively.
• Ability to comply with all safety policies and procedures to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Commitment to maintaining professional attendance, dress standards, and work habits.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and independent decision-making within job responsibilities.

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