Special Education Paraprofessional Aide Specialized Programs, K-8

***This is a District wide pool posting. Location will be discussed during the interview process. Several positions available!

Public Schools of Brookline

Job Title:  District-wide Special Education Paraprofessional

Reports to:

• Administratively responsible to the building principal/Head of School.
• Programmatically responsible to the Director of Special Education and/or Special Education Coordinator.

General Description:  

The Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) serve eight elementary schools, a nationally accredited preschool program (BEEP) and a nationally recognized high school. A qualified paraprofessional will work closely with an assigned special educator and/or classroom teacher, and will provide direct care and instructional support to students individually and in small groups.  In order to thrive in this role, the paraprofessional must be caring, compassionate, and committed to each student’s success.

Program Descriptions: 

In-District Programs include but are not limited to: Reaching Independence Through Structured Education (RISE), Adaptive Learning Center (ALC ), Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC),  LAHB

Specific Qualifications (by program): 

RISE: Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum disabilities required    Experience and/or knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.     Knowledge to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.    Willingness to participate and earn certification in SafetyCare preferred 

ALC: Experience working students with multiple developmental disabilities required.    Comfort with hands-on care and support for activities of daily living required.    Knowledge to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.    Willingness to participate and earn certification in SafetyCare preferred. 

TLC: Experience working with students who have emotional impairments and mental health needs required. Experience and/or knowledge of programs such as Social Thinking and/or Zones of Regulation preferred.    Willingness to participate and earn certification in SafetyCare preferred 

LAHB: Experience working with students with language-based learning disabilities required.    Experience and/or knowledge of evidence-based reading programs such as   OrtonGillingham required.    Participation in a ten-hour Orton-Gillingham Orientation required. 

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of study at an institute of higher education, Associates of Arts (AA) degree, or higher degree preferred.
• Ability to work with students with disabilities required.
• Ability to read, write, and speak in English required.
• Knowledge of disabilities related to specific program need.
• Completion of first aid and CPR training, with Certificate preferred.
• Certification in non-violent crisis intervention (SafetyCare) preferred.
• Ability to problem solve while maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and community.
•  Knowledge of disabilities related to specific program needs.    
• Ability to work as a team and maintain composure under potentially stressful conditions.
• Ability to problem solve while maintaining effective working relationships with students, staff, and community. 
• Ability to sit, stand, balance, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear required.    Willingness to lift, carry, push, pull, and move up to 75 pounds, including students, required.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with all school staff.
• Perform routine clerical tasks operating a variety of educational and office related machines and equipment.
• Model an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students of varied age groups and varied disabilities.
• Implement small group and individualized instructional services under the supervision of a classroom teacher and/or special educator.
• Provide supervision and support to students in electives and/or activities as determined by the IEP Team.
• Assist the special educator and/or classroom teacher in all aspects of classroom instruction.
• Provide supervision and support to students throughout the school day including transitions, special subjects (music, art, PE, etc.), lunch, recess, etc.
• Provide inclusion support in academic classes as assigned, ensuring that designated students are included in the general education setting.
• Maintain appropriate documentation, records, and reports as assigned
• Participate in direct supervision of students and assist with activities of daily living, including but not limited to toileting, feeding, etc.

Other

• Attend and participate in paraprofessional trainings and professional development as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education, Coordinator, and/or Principal/Head of School.
• Comply with all district and school policies and procedures.
• Participate in IEP meetings and/or classroom planning meetings as assigned.
• Services to students at school, at home, or in the community may be assigned as determined by Team process.
• Provide instructional services under the direction of certified teacher and therapists,

providing 1:1 instruction as well as preparation for classroom sessions

• When there is opportunity for a student to be included in the regular classroom setting,

the paraprofessional will act as inclusion support in that setting to provide for consistency and support of student/s

• Liaison with team members involved in the education/treatment of the student
• Maintain professional documentation including daily notes to families, data collection of
• students performance on academics tasks, and behavioral logs
• Participate in direct supervision of students and assistance with activities in daily living,
• including toileting assistance as needed
• Work with teachers and therapists to learn instructional/educational strategies as well as
• discuss student program and needs
• Utilize time both before and after school to provide for the instructional components of

the student’s day, as well as meet any classroom needs as determined by the teacher.

• Complete any other essential duties that may be assigned

Additional Information:

• The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.
• The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.
• All employees must be vaccinated and maintain full vaccination as a condition of employment to work as an on-site vendor/contractor, unless they receive approval for a documented medical or religious exemption in accordance with relevant state and/or federal law. For a full copy of the COVID-19 vaccination policy, please click here.