TASC Paraprofessional at Waltham Public Schools in Waltham, MA

TASC Special Education Paraprofessional

Position Summary: The purpose of this position is to have an individual who can assist teachers in the delivery of instruction to students.

Program Overview: The TASC program provides services for children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related diagnoses. The main teaching style of this program is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). There is a high student to teacher ratio in all of the classrooms to ensure the appropriate support for the academic, behavioral and social needs of all students. There are opportunities for both small group and individual instruction depending on the needs of the student.

Description of Duties:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Management of the Learning Environment

• Implements student goals and objectives, under the direction of the teacher.
• Utilizes educational materials properly.
• Helps to maintain a pleasant, neat and well-organized classroom.
• Performs scheduled duties promptly.
• Fulfills paperwork responsibilities promptly.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service educational activities.
• Fulfills other duties as assigned by building principal.

Management of Student Needs- supporting the student performance Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Demonstrates competency in the following area per training and supervision by the nurse:
  • G-tube feeding
• Demonstrates competency in the following area per raining and supervision by the speech/language therapist and/or teacher
  • Implementation of feeding plans
• Demonstrates competency in the following areas per raining and supervision by the physical therapist
  • Lifting, moving and positioning
• Demonstrates competencies in the following area per training and supervision by the teacher
  • Implementing behavior plans, including collecting data
  • Toileting, including changing diapers
• Demonstrates competency in the following area per training and supervision by the nurse and teacher
  • Daily hygiene

Student Interactions

• Assumes responsibility for providing a safe, supportive, structured learning environment for all students.
• Relates well to students
• Provides and promotes opportunities for students to develop a positive self-concept.
• Accepts responsibility for the well-being of each assigned student

Professional and Personal Qualities

• Adheres the academic, ethical and social standards
• Communicates clearly and appropriately
• Dresses appropriately
• Accepts constructive feedback
• Maintains confidentiality
• Is equitable, sensitive and responsive to all learners
• Good attendance
• Participates in ongoing professional development and building meetings

Teacher/Staff Relations

• Shows evidence of helping to promote positive working relationships with school personnel.
• Demonstrates willingness to share and exchange ideas, skills, techniques and materials.
• Works effectively with administrative personnel.
• Accepts and implements school and district decisions.
• Fulfills assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities.
• Complies with school department procedures and school committee policies.

Toileting/diapering and heavy lifting may be required.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope:

Supervises students and evaluates their achievement.

Supervision Given and Received:

Supervised by principal and/or director.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• High school diploma, two years of higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students, under the direction of the teacher.

Knowledge Required:

• Ability to follow directions effectively.
• Familiarity with student instructional and disciplinary procedures.

Abilities Required:

• Ability to implement assigned tasks and activities.
• Diligence in monitoring students’ safety and security.
• Ability to support and reinforce the teacher’s expectations for students.

Skills Required:

• Able to follow directions promptly and effectively.
• Able to relate to students as a caring adult.
• Able to work with students on academic tasks assigned by the teacher.

Preferred Qualifications:

Trained in understanding and utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Experience in administering discrete trials, providing a hierarchy of prompting, taking advantage of incidental teaching opportunities, dispensing reinforcement of target behaviors, and keeping performance data. Must work in a collaborative model with teachers and specialists in order to provide a transdisciplinary instructional approach. Knowledge of augmentative/alternative communication methods, sensory diets, reinforcement schedules, and behavior management techniques.

Salary: As per the WEA contract.

Please click here to apply!

Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.