23/24 Academic and Behavioral Support Paraeducator

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Student Support Services

Position Summary

Education for Change is looking for Education for Change is looking for dynamic and visionary Paraeducators to work as a one-to-one aide for students in a general education setting. Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, they will provide instructional support and assistance to the student and teachers; perform a variety of support activities related to behavior management and classroom instruction; perform a variety of clerical support duties related to classroom activities. They will support the student in the classroom environment and support the Special Education Teacher, classroom teachers, and other members of the instructional team.

Our Approach

EFC is committed to serving ALL students, regardless of need. Our approach addresses the diverse needs of our students by offering a myriad of program designs to meet individual need. We offer inclusion, resource instruction, combined programs that include both inclusive and small group instruction, and specialized programs for students with autism, those in need of emotional support, and students with more moderate needs. Utilizing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to analyze and problem solves around student and staff needs. We employ a whole child approach that not only meets the basic needs of our students but also takes into consideration their socio-emotional, academic and behavioral needs.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in establishing and maintaining a clean, safe, and cooperative classroom and learning environment.
• Prepare and set up instructional materials and/or equipment for use in classroom activities; maintain instructional material and equipment.
• Assist classroom teachers in creating curriculum modifications for students.
• Provide testing accommodations, including supervising students completing tests in a separate location or during an extended time.
• Review and correct student work assignments.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the student(s) receives the support needed to find academic and personal success at school.
• Provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices, and assignments in various subjects.
• Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students.
• Assist in the implementation of behavior intervention plans which may involve the use of approved positive reinforcement strategies, behavior modification, other skills or knowledge to establish and maintain appropriate behaviors.
• Report progress regarding student performance and behavior; communicate with parents regarding student performance and behavior as assigned.
• Assist in monitoring students' progress toward their goals through formal documentation methods and data observations.
• Assist and perform personal hygiene for students, including bathing, tooth brushing, toileting and diapering as needed; serve snacks and meals to students with severe eating problems and monitor self-feeding students; take appropriate action when students have difficulty while eating.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintain a learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner.
• Transport students as necessary.
• Facilitate and support social interactions and foster the development of positive relationships between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.
• Assist all students by modeling appropriate behavior and attitudes and providing emotional support and general guidance.
• Support students to be active participants on field trips and school assemblies or productions.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Attend mandatory new hire professional development.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• At least two years of study at an institute of higher education or possession of an Associate’s degree or higher preferred
• 1 year working with students in special education or students from urban communities in an educational setting
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions; ability to take initiative and modify activities and programs as needed
• Must possess a growth mindset and be able to use feedback to refine practice
• Knowledge of basic subjects taught in elementary school, including mathematics, reading, writing, grammar, and spelling

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with students with autism and Applied Behavioral Analysis preferred
• Crisis Intervention Prevention (CPI) certification preferred

EFC Core Values

• Connected- We continually work to build trusting relationships among students, families, staff, and the Oakland community at large. We are an all-hands-on-deck network driven by empathy. We value our collective identity and the individual identities of our community members and scholars such that we have a sense of collective ownership and responsibility for each other and for our scholars.
• Inclusive- We proactively disrupt predictable patterns of opportunity, power, privilege, and performance. We create an inclusive environment where multiple perspectives are not only valued but sought, where people from all backgrounds feel seen and heard and can thrive, and where we all feel a deep sense of accountability to our mission.
• Interdependent- Our success at every level is dependent on our individual and collective sustainability. To that end, we are transparent, creative, and collaborative problem-solvers who seek to build trusting relationships. We are curious and are open to new ideas while also putting systems in place to ensure continuity so that our employees can stay, grow, thrive, and help make good on our promise to our students and families.
• Learners- We support each other to develop and grow so that we can leverage our collective power, intelligence, and passion on behalf of our students. We lean on home-grown leaders who are rooted in our community. Individuals feel known and are provided opportunities to maximize their potential in alignment with their passions and goals.