Paraprofessional

POSITION SUMMARY A paraprofessional assists teachers and or other professional educators or clinicians in the delivery of instructional and related services to students. The paraprofessional works under the direct supervision of the teacher or other certified or licensed professionals. The ultimate responsibility for the design, implementation and evaluation of instructional programs, including assessment of student progress, is a collaborative effort of certified and licensed staff.   RATE $20   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS Associate’s degree or higher and/or one year of experience working with children and/or appropriate CT State Department of Education endorsement (within 1 year of hire) is required.  Must have experience working with high need youth.   LOCATION Plainville, CT   SCHEDULE This position has a schedule of 35.25 hours per week and is a 10 month position with possible summer school hours   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:   Nurture Your Health: Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company Fuel Your Career Growth: Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program Access training and development opportunities Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication Maintain Work-Life Harmony: Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Building and Maintaining Effective Instructional Teams Carrying out Team decisions as assigned by the teacher or related service personnel. Attending meetings and sharing relevant information with other team members to facilitate problem-solving, decision-making, program planning and other team activities. Using ethical practices for confidential communication about students. Maintaining Learner-Centered, Supportive Environments Implementing proactive behavior and learning strategies developed by teachers/clinicians that maintain supportive learning environment. Following individualized policies and procedures to ensure the safety, health and well-being of learners and staff. Using universal health precautions for preventing illness and infections. Carrying out teachers/clinician plans to support students making the transition to work, post secondary education and the adult world. Planning and Organizing Learning Experiences Developing/preparing learning/instructional resources and organizing the environment. Entering data and record-keeping. Implementing the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Preparing and organizing materials to support teaching and learning as directed. Adapting instructional materials to the needs of an individual learner, under direction of certified professional. Engaging Students in Learning Activities and Maintaining Safety Using developed positive behavioral strategies and procedures that facilitate the learning of students with challenging behaviors. Identifying potential risk factors and taking measures to reduce those risks in the milieu through reinforcement of positive and safe behaviors, trauma-informed and relationally-based therapeutic interventions, and reporting of suspected child abuse/neglect, according to agency policies and procedures. Training and participating in emergency safety interventions (including restraints) authorized and approved by the agency, when a student presents with an imminent safety concern. Performing monitoring duties as assigned in other learning environments (e.g., playground, lunchroom, etc). Implementing developmentally and age appropriate reinforcement and other learning activities developed by the teacher. Assessing Learner Needs and Progress Assisting with maintaining learner records required by programs/state. Collecting data on learner activity as designed by teachers. Carrying out functional assessment activities to assist teachers/providers in documenting information about learner's strengths and needs. Providing information and assisting in administering standardized tests based on the paraprofessional’s qualifications to carry out assigned tasks. Meet Standards of Professional and Ethical Conduct Maintaining confidentiality both within and outside the working environment. Performing assigned tasks under the supervision of teachers/providers in a manner consistent with professional/ethical guidelines established on a programmatic, state and federal level. Participating in professional development opportunities. Conferring with supervising teachers and administrators to identify strengths and professional development needs. Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.