One-to-One Paraprofessional

This position is an anticipated vacancy. However, the current incumbent has a right to rescind their retirement, leave, or resignation up until the day of the expected vacancy date. Your hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated, and you may start the year as a Long-Term Substitute if the position does not become vacant by the start of the school year.

Under the supervision of the teacher, a One-to-One Paraprofessional will provide direct service to individual students and participate in the daily instruction and activities of the school, program, and class to which the student is assigned. Beyond the normal classroom activities, the duties of a One-to-One Paraprofessional correspond directly to the needs of the student.

Students who require a One-to-One Paraprofessional may have disabilities/diagnoses that include pervasive developmental disorder, autism, Aspergers' Syndrome, Williams' Syndrome, physical handicaps, multiple handicaps, blindness, deafness, blind/deaf, Tourettes' Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric disorders (psychosis, schizophrenia, multiple personalities, depression), oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, conduct disorder, genetic disorders and brain injury. Students who require a One-To-One Paraprofessional may also speak a language other than English.

Reports To: Principal/Head of Schools/School-based Special Education Administrator

Responsibilities

• Working with small groups of children instructionally, toileting, diapering, lifting and transfers, maintaining personal hygiene, assisting the school nurse in tube feedings, scribing, note taking, language systems (ASL, SEE 2, Picture Exchange System, communication boards, etc.), Braille, Applied Behavioral Analysis, behavior management, redirection, de-escalation and physical restraint.

• In some cases, the One-to-One Paraprofessional may be required to be a specific gender because of the nature of the work (toileting) or because of the individual history of the student. This requirement protects both the student and the One-to-one Paraprofessional.

• Students with One-to-One Paraprofessionals may be assigned to any school in the district including the examination schools. In these school assignments, students may be participating in advanced coursework and require assistance from a Paraprofessional.

• Collaborates with the classroom teacher to implement agreed-upon activities, as evidenced in daily lesson plans.

• Fosters open communications with parents and staff.

• Performs other related duties as requested by Head of School/Principal/School-based Special Education Administrator, particularly when the student is absent.

Qualifications - Required

• Education: High School Diploma or GED

• Forty-eight (48) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate's Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/) or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants (http://www.act.org/workkeys/profcert/index.html).

• Experience working with a student who is diagnosed with one or more of the mild to moderate disabilities listed above.

• Demonstrated experience and ability working with parents/guardians, administrators, teachers, and students.

• Demonstrated experience and ability in assisting with team instruction.

• Able to be flexible to accommodate the needs of the student and or parent/guardians.

• Trained in ABA

• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment

• Other qualifications will vary depending on the specific needs of the assigned student.

Qualifications - Preferred

• BPS values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity. BPS is particularly interested in candidates who are fluent in one of BPS' official languages: Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, & Somali.

Terms: BTU, Paraprofessional Unit, Contractual hourly rate

Please refer to the Salary Information section on the Career Site for more information on compensation. Salaries are listed by Union and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.