Special Education Paraprofessional

ELEMENTARY SPECIAL EDUCATION

PARAPROFESSIONAL

POSITION INFORMATION

Position Title: Special Education Paraprofessional
Department: Special Education
Reports To: Principal and Assigned Special Education Teacher
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Term: 180 Days / 10 Months
Salary Scale: Grade 4003 ($44,000 - $60,000)
Additional Stipend(s): $1,000 and $450

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of a licensed special education teacher, provides instructional, behavioral, communication, and personal care support to students with disabilities. Assists with implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior intervention plans, instructional activities, and daily routines while promoting student independence, safety, and academic success in a structured learning environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative of the position. Additional duties may be assigned.

Instructional Support

• Assist in implementing instructional activities aligned with students' IEPs.
• Reinforce academic, communication, social, and functional life skills through individual and small-group instruction.
• Prepare instructional materials, visual supports, and classroom resources.
• Assist students in the use of assistive technology and communication devices.
• Collect and document student progress data as directed.

Behavioral Support

• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) using positive behavior support strategies.
• Assist students with developing self-regulation, communication, and social interaction skills.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral situations using approved division procedures.

Student Support

• Assist students with transitions, meals, recess, field trips, and other school activities.
• Provide assistance with toileting, hygiene, feeding, dressing, mobility, and other personal care needs while maintaining student dignity.
• Monitor student safety at all times.

Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, administrators, and other staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Participate in required meetings, training, and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must meet Virginia requirements for a Highly Qualified Instructional Assistant by possessing:
• At least 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university; or
• A passing score on the ParaPro Assessment.

• Experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of autism characteristics and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to implement behavior intervention plans and positive behavior supports.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with minimal supervision.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

The employee is regularly required to:

• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.
• Lift, transfer, reposition, or physically assist students as needed in accordance with approved procedures.
• Assist students with mobility equipment and adaptive devices.
• Respond quickly to behavioral or safety situations.
• Operate classroom technology and instructional equipment.
• Perform personal care duties, including toileting, feeding, and hygiene assistance, when required by student needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an elementary school setting serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The position requires frequent interaction with students exhibiting a variety of communication, behavioral, sensory, and physical needs. The employee may occasionally be exposed to aggressive behaviors, bodily fluids, and outdoor weather conditions during student supervision and instructional activities.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Prince George County Public Schools is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment is based on the approved school calendar, School Board policies, administrative regulations, and the current compensation plan adopted by the Prince George County School Board.

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the Prince George County Public Schools Performance Evaluation System and applicable School Board policies.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Prince George County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Virginia law. The School Division is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices and to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Prince George County Public Schools reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as operational needs require. Employees may be assigned additional duties consistent with the overall purpose of the position.