ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arlington, MA 02476

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole. 

POSITION: SPECIALIZED SUPPORT PARAPROFESSIONAL

JOB GOAL: The Special Support Paraprofessional (SSP) will support educators by working with students in general education and special education settings to enable them to access the curriculum. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates Degree Required; Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• Experience working with children
• Ability to coordinate with and work as a member of a team that includes Principal, Classroom Teacher, Special Educators, other building staff, related service personnel, clinicians and parents
• Must have experience with and demonstrated ability to support students with social-emotional and behavioral challenges
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Preferred specialized training, such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or Equivalent 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establishes emotionally supportive rapport with students
• Travels to general education classes with students as needed
• Accurately implements content, instructional and performance modifications as designed by the classroom teacher, special education liaison, and BCBA
• Ensures information is shared between other support personnel when this individual is on scheduled breaks.  
• Participates in classroom planning meetings or other organizational meetings, as well as professional development as determined by principal and or special education department
• Greets students upon arrival to school, assists with student dismissal and debriefs with teacher at the end of the day 
• Implements behavior management plans as written
• Assists with crisis management plans, including physical management per behavior management protocols when required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  This is a temporary position to assess the needs of the program and school.  It is possible that it will lead to a regular position. 

REPORTS TO:  Special Education Coordinators and Building Principals

SALARY/BENEFITS:  Per AEA Unit D Collective Bargaining Agreement.   Eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance and Town of Arlington Retirement System. 

Arlington values diversity.  We strongly encourage candidates of varied backgrounds, including people of color, persons with disabilities and others to apply