Paraeducator at The Maryland School for the Blind in Nottingham, MD

SUMMARY: With supervision, assists the classroom teacher in the implementation of individualized educational programs (IEP).

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Essential Functions:

1. Assists teacher with the development and implementation of classroom instruction including curricular programs, data collection and the creation of instructional materials.
2. Assists teacher in developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs.
3. Assists students in performance of personal hygiene tasks and toileting.
4. Supervises student activities, including getting into the pool when necessary.
5. Assists students with travel skills and concept development.
6. Programs and uses augmentative communication devices.
7. Uses and assists students with use of computers and iPads.
8. Provides vocational job coaching.

Marginal Functions:

1. Uses sign language and Braille as needed.
2. Performs additional duties as assigned.
3. Assist with G-tube feeding when necessary.

CONDITIONS:

Equipment Used: Personal computer, copy machine, motor vehicle, instructional and therapeutic material and equipment, adaptive and orthopedic equipment.

Performance Standard: Must assure 100% compliance with health and safety standards at all times, and must fully support each student's program plan.

Work Environment: Multiple indoor and outdoor environments around and off campus, with varying sound, lighting and temperature conditions.

Work Schedule: 37-40 daytime hours, Monday through Friday with a 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break scheduled each day; flextime within the workweek is occasionally required, and additional work hours are infrequently assigned. This position follows an 11 month school schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, skills and general abilities:

1. Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree, 48 college credits, or a ParaPro Assessment. Bachelors degree preferred.

2. Must be at least 21 years of age.

3. Basic knowledge of special education classroom principles and practices, and their application to the instruction of students with multiple disabilities and visual impairments including blindness preferred.

4. Experience instructing students with severe and profound disabilities, or students with emotional disorders and use of behavior management strongly preferred.

5. Basic knowledge child development and visual impairment and related materials, i.e. large print and Braille preferred.

6. One year of experience in a youth leadership role preferred.

7. Basic knowledge of orthopedically disabled children including handling, lifting, positioning, and feeding techniques, and use of related equipment preferred.

8. Comprehensive knowledge of computers, Microsoft office, and Google Suite.

9. Ability to push and pull in excess of 100 pounds and ability to lift in excess of 50 pounds with assistance.

Other applicable trainings/certifications that may be required include, but are not limited to:

1. Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)/Medication Management Certification

2. Braille

3. Sign Language

4. Lifting, Transfers & Positioning/Mechanical Lift

5. Computer Skills

6. Driving Certification to transport students

7. First Aid/CPR Certification

8. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training