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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Supports assigned student as they work to achieve the goals set by the student’s teacher and related services team.
• Assists in the implementation of student’s individualized IEP at the discretion and direction of supervisors, teacher(s)/instructor(s) and administrators and supports behavior plan as directed by behavior department.
• Provides support for student inside and outside of the classroom to enable the student to fully participate in school activities.
• Provides support for the student in daily therapy and/or related service sessions.
• Supports the student throughout academic instruction/assignments under the supervision of the student’s teacher.
• Assists therapists with related service sessions, transferring and/or positioning the student throughout the day.
• Assists the student with self-care (including using the restroom, basic hygiene, feeding, etc.).
• Follows all appropriate policies and procedures relating to the care and safety of assigned student and the student’s management needs.
• Ensures that the student and their supplies are kept neat and clean throughout the day.
• Ensures that the student is fed appropriately throughout the day, and more broadly, maintains student’s safety at all times.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Where applicable, for students with more complex social-emotional needs, Paraprofessionals - Behavior Support will perform the following tasks, in addition to the above:

• Regularly liaises and collaborates with the Student Support Services team to support creation and implementation of the student support plan.
• Collects and records data as directed by Student Support Services team to ensure fidelity of the student support plan.
• Attends and participates in additional trainings and meetings specific to the student’s social-emotional and related needs as determined by their supervisor and Student Support Services team.
• Ensures the health and safety of students, self and others by responding timely and appropriately to social-emotional challenges including self-injurious behavior, injurious behaviors toward others and elopement risks.

Where applicable, for students with more complex feeding needs, Paraprofessionals – Feeding Support will perform the following tasks, in addition to the above:

• Regularly liaises and collaborates with the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and Feeding Coordinator on the student’s mealtime plan.
• Understands and follows the Safe Feeding Guidelines put forth by the Speech and Language Department
• Implements mealtime plan and feeding strategies put forth by the SLP to support safe feeding of students, including assisting students with proper positioning for mealtimes.
• Collects and records data related to mealtime plans and to ensure safe feeding, intake, etc., as directed by SLP.
• Attends and participates in feeding, swallowing and oral motor-related trainings and meetings as determined by their supervisor and Director of Speech and Language and/or Feeding Coordinator. 
• Provides coverage for other students with complex feeding needs and assists with feeding training for fellow classroom paraprofessionals, as requested.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

All paraprofessionals must meet the following qualification requirements:

• High school Diploma/GED or equivalent; and
• Must be well organized with superior attention to detail and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to work with a great degree of independence and focus
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs

Paraprofessionals assigned to students with complex social-emotional needs are subject to the following additional requirements:

• Must have at least one (1) year experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and complex social-emotional needs in any setting (school, home program, day treatment center, etc.) and
• Ability to demonstrate positive social and emotional support through collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team and to appropriately deescalate situations requiring immediate intervention.

Paraprofessionals assigned to students with complex feeding needs are subject to the following additional requirements:

• Must have at least one (1) year of experience feeding children or adults with feeding and/or swallowing issues, using safe feeding protocols, including hospital, nursing home, residential or educational setting; and
• Ability to demonstrate responsive feeding techniques, follow a mealtime plan, have knowledge of modified diets including liquids. 
• Open to learning new skills in the areas of feeding, swallowing and positioning.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• For all Paraprofessionals:
  • Associate’s Degree or coursework in education preferred
  • One to three years of relevant healthcare, childcare and/or other school-based experience
  • First Aid CPR AED
• For Paraprofessionals – Behavior Support:
  • Formal training, including college coursework in psychology, sociology, human behavior, mental health, special education and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Compensation: $16.50 Per Hour

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.