Therapeutic School Classroom Paraprofessional

Job Summary 

Classroom Paraprofessionals work in the school/classroom environment with students with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems. Classroom Paraprofessional’s work directly with students, sometimes in a one-to-one capacity, in order to promote independence in the areas of communication, self-help, social skills, and functional living skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment that meets and/or exceeds all requirements set forth by Heartspring.
• Provide a structured environment for students by following the schedule of activities that promotes the student’s learning opportunities and their independent living skills.
• Implement and document the students’ training programs as prescribed in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or informal training programs in the home setting.
• Implement, document, and provide input into the Student Support Plan (SSP), as outlined by the psychology department.
• Implement and document student-specific training in specialized areas, as prescribed by the students’ teams (i.e., Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy).
• Escort students to off-campus events, including special outings, field trips, and healthcare appointments.
• Perform and assist with non-violent behavior management system for crisis intervention as needed.
• Adhere to all procedures and techniques as outlined in the Safe and Positive Approaches (NCI) training.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers, team members, supervisors, and all persons involved in the students’ programs.
• Document and/or report any health concerns, whether ongoing (i.e. diabetes, seizures) or emergent (i.e., lacerations, bruises).
• Document and report any instances of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other unusual incidents or events, as per Heartspring and Department of Child & Family Services guidelines.
• Prompt and regular attendance is required.
• Must work on major holidays that fall on weekdays as scheduled, and must work one weekend a month in the residential homes.
• Assist in training and welcoming new Classroom Paraprofessional into the School.
• Provide specific verbal praise for students throughout the day.
• Assist students with eating their lunch.
• Provide for the safety and protection of the students in the event of an emergency (fire, tornado, severe weather, etc.), whether on campus or out in the community.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

 Educational, Experience, and Licensure Requirements

• High school diploma, or equivalent.
• Valid Kansas drivers’ license and good driving record preferred (required in order to drive students in Heartspring vehicles).
• Must successfully complete all required orientation and training conducted by Heartspring staff.
• Must complete 18 hours of in-service training per year.
• Must make up all missed trainings, classes, and meetings in a timely manner.
• Must maintain NCI certification (annual).
• Must maintain CPR certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Must be dependable, reliable, and responsible.
• Maintain composure, keep emotions under control, control anger, and avoid aggressive responses, even in very difficult situations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, being careful about detail and thorough in completing assigned tasks.
• Excellent ability to communicate both orally and written in order to convey information effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departmental functions.
• Must be honest, ethical and maintain confidentiality.
• Quickly assess situations and make proper behavioral judgements, especially in emergency situations.
• Ability to listen effectively and obtain information from others.
• Ability to use/operate standard computer system and hand-held devices.