Special Education Paraprofessional (Gateway Program)

CAPS Collaborative is seeking dynamic and enthusiastic paraprofessionals to join our dedicated team of professionals. This candidate will assist classroom teachers in alternative school classrooms designed to meet the needs of students with emotional impairments and/or trauma history, as well as students with autism. Experiences working with these special education populations is preferred. ABA/behavioral background a plus.

About us:

CAPS Collaborative will work in partnership with districts to provide programs and services of the highest quality. To provide these services, we adhere to the following values:

• To commit every aspect of the organization to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students.
• To demonstrate quality and responsiveness by becoming the first choice of districts for programs and services.
• To be a customer-focused organization that constantly evaluates district needs.
• To integrate quality, integrity, respect, and teamwork into every aspect of the organization.
• To demonstrate accountability through constantly evaluating results and progress toward goals.
• To implement programs and services in the most cost-effective manner and to exercise due diligence in financial decision making.
• We will work in partnership with districts to ensure that students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home school district.

About the role:

The paraprofessional will assist a certified teacher with providing specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities for students with significant multiple disabilities, including sensory impairments. This position requires the Paraprofessional to work in small groups and one-to-one with students on a regular basis in an effort to provide the student with the physical and emotional support they need to participate and gain the full benefits of the educational program provided.

Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibility for assisting classroom teacher in academic instruction in a self-contained behavioral classroom in a program for students with emotional impairments.
• Assist classroom teacher in setting clear and structured limits relative to student behavior.
• Assist Behavioral Specialist and/or other staff in utilizing physical management to keep dysregulated students safe.
• Responds to student behavioral needs per direction of Lead Teacher, BCBA, and student support plan.
• Supervises, supports and models vocational opportunities in the community.
• Understand and develop team intervention strategies and techniques.
• Recognize the importance of staff attitude and professionalism in responding effectively to those in your charge.
• Under teacher direction, assist in preparation of classroom materials.
• Under teacher direction, correct and/or grade student class work.
• Assist with other staff in providing supervision for transitions.
• Supervise students during transitions to class, lunch or recess, bathrooms, offices, and buses.
• Assist other staff in supervision of large group meeting/activities or field trips.
• Provide for record keeping and other clerical duties.
• In the event of teacher absence, act in the capacity of substitute classroom teacher (additional stipend applies).
• Perform as an appropriate role model to students at all times
• Under the supervision of teaching staff, direct physical education classes and art classes on an as needed basis.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Candidate requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Respect and maintain student and family confidentiality
• Cooperates successfully as a team member
• Communicates effectively with other members of the team including giving and receiving feedback. This includes written and oral communication.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills, to carry out assignments, put in essential time and effort.
• Perform delegated duties with level of expertise and assume responsibility for own professional development.
• High school diploma required; Associates degree or two years of college highly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to demonstrate physical control and restraint positions to be implemented when physical control is necessary as a last resort due to an individual's dangerous behavior.
• Able to navigate all areas of the school quickly including indoor and outdoor areas.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.