The Natick Public Schools Seek a

Group 2 Program Paraprofessional Educator/Special Education

Estimated Start Date: 12/18/2023

We invite you to explore a career with Natick Public Schools. 

The Natick Public Schools educate approximately 5,300 students from Pre-K through age 22. We are an innovative, supportive, and high-performing district whose outstanding staff provides high quality services for our diverse students and their families from Natick and Boston. Natick Public Schools is a community dedicated to all students achieving high standards in a safe, trusting, respectful environment where learning is exciting, dynamic, and engaging, and where connectedness and belonging are valued and actively cultivated. We are home to families that speak almost 60 different languages and our student population is approximately 29% Students of Color and 71% White students. With a graduation rate of 97% and 90% of our students attending post-secondary schools, we are proud of our commitment to excellence in educating students to be informed and successful citizens of a global world. 

We enthusiastically welcome educators to our district who seek and thrive in a diverse environment that focuses on the whole child in a strengths-based approach. Please partner with us in our mission to support the diversity of our school community, promote and deliver equitable practices for all of our staff, students, and families, and create meaningful connections that enable everyone to feel included and thrive.

Education:  High School diploma or GED

Specialized Knowledge:  

• Child development
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as they relate to student engagement

 Preferred Experience: 

• Work or volunteer experience with high school-age children.

Skills:

• Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed
• Candidates should have a passion for working with students, families, and colleagues
• Candidates must be flexible and collaborative
• Candidates must be able to multitask in a fast-paced, supportive environment that nurtures student growth
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, school  staff and administration, and parents
• Ability to handle stressful situations. 

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and in conformity with state certification requirements.

• Phone, intercom, personal computer and software applications as outlined above, copy machine, calculator, camera, printers and fax machine.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Work with students individually and in small groups:

• Works in special education or general education settings, including but not limited to reviewing and reinforcing previously introduced lessons and implementing prescribed instruction.
• Alerts the teacher to special needs of individual students. 
• Escorts and assists students as necessary, including lifting where appropriate. 
• Administers or assists in the administration of alternative testing.

 Assist supervising teacher in addressing student needs:

• Carries out teacher-planned learning exercises including instruction of core curriculum, academic support and support of related therapies including speech and language activities, occupational and physical therapy activities and mobility training activities. 
• Performs classroom and other appropriate tasks designated by the supervising teacher/principal.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully certified teachers. 
• Participates in staff development programs as assigned.
• Participates as an active member of the Special Needs or Supportive Services Teams, as necessary.
• Establishes an effective work relationship with classroom teachers, specialists, and administration.
• Assists K through 12 students in transfer activities and mobilization activities and/or non-medical hygiene assistance (i.e. changing diapers). Another adult will be present for all diaper changes/toileting whenever possible.
• Performs other such duties as assigned by the building principal, supervising teacher, Special Education Coordinator, or Director for Student Services. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: 

• move about the classroom, school, school grounds, office, and/or off-site locations. 
• On some occasions, it may be necessary to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces; 
• remain in a stationary position for periods of time; 
• operate a computer and other school/office productivity machinery (i.e., iPad, copy machine, computer printer, assistive technology, etc.); 
• read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids; 
• position oneself to maintain files and access school/classroom/office materials;
• communicate with others so that information received and given is understood and accurately communicated;
• communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents, and other staff members in person, via video conference, on the telephone, and/or in writing;
• observe details at close range
• in the school setting, ensure the safety of students;
• multitask and meet multiple demands from several people;
• may need to teach and support students with life skills development such as eating, cleaning, and toileting 
• lifting up to and including 25 lbs
• the noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

• Formal application
• Rating of education and experience
• Oral interviews 
• Reference check
• Strong record of work performance in current and previous roles required
• Successful completion of Criminal Records Check (C.O.R.I.), Sexual Offender Record Check (S.O.R.I.), and fingerprints.

The Natick Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other class protected by law.