HARRISONBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

PRIMARY FUNCTION:  Assists teachers in providing for the individual needs of the student in order for each student to achieve his/her maximum academic and social potential.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Have completed 2 years of college (associates and/or bachelor degree preferred) or successfully passed the ParaPro Assessment
2. Proficiency in spoken and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas. 
3. Ability to establish and follow detailed work procedures with speed and accuracy. 
4. Bilingual ability preferred. 
5. Emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to the needs of others. Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families and co-workers. 
6. Ability to collect and assess academic and behavioral data and interpret Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives
7. Experience supporting students behavioral and mental health and/or students with disabilities
8. Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
9. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
10. Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks.  Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.  Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.  
12. Excellent interpersonal skills.
13. Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
14. Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:          

1. Supports teachers in meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students with disabilities in the classroom (in-person) and community.
2. Assists in the implementation of assigned sections of the students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and behavior intervention plans which may involve use of approved behavior modification, physical management techniques or other skills or knowledge to establish and maintain appropriate behaviors.
3. Provides small group and/or individualized instruction to students with disabilities

according to the students’ IEP and the supervising teacher’s lesson plans.

1. Informs the teacher of any special information or concerns about an individual student. 
2. Assists in organizing learning environment; prepares and sets up instructional materials

and/or equipment for use in classroom activities; maintains instructional material and

equipment including taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

1. Accompanies or assists students to and from school bus or other transportation and in moving to and from activities on school site.
2. Provides lunch supervision and/or bus duties as assigned. 
3. Supports an inviting and functional classroom or learning environment.
4. Assists with the sight and sound supervision of students.
5. Serves as the chief source of information and helps any substitute teacher assigned in their area and/or substitutes for teachers when needed.
6. Assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date and actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
7. Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
8. Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
9. Effectively performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.  Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and the school community.  Regular contact with staff members is required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.  Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

SCHEDULE:

This work will be in-person following a traditional school schedule (M-F; ~7.5 hours per day) from August-June. This schedule typically includes a 3-day Thanksgiving Break, a 2-week Winter Break, and a 1-week Spring Break (schedule subject to change). 

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative or licensed personnel. 

COMPENSATION:

Compensation is based on years of experience performing similar duties as are expected in this role. The salary scale can be found under the Careers page on the HCPS Website.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.