Job Description
Job Description
Heartland School
Job Title: Heartland School Special Education Paraeducator
Reports To: Mary Quiroz, School Principal 402-393-0345 or 402-680-1651
Location: 5731 South 108th Street. Omaha
Employment Type: Full- Time
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Position Overview: Heartland School Special Education Paraeducators play a critical role in supporting students with diverse learning needs who thrive in alternative educational settings. This position involves working under the supervision of certified special education teachers and administrators to provide individualized and small-group instruction, behavior management support, and assistance with daily activities. The paraeducator fosters a positive, inclusive, and safe environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth for students with exceptional needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Instructional Support:
- Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by providing tailored instruction to meet students' unique learning goals.
- Support students in core academic subjects, functional skills, and vocational training as directed by the teacher.
- Adapt and modify instructional materials to align with students' abilities and learning styles.
- Facilitate small-group or one-on-one instruction to reinforce concepts and skills taught by the teacher.
- Behavioral Support:
- Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) as directed by the teacher or behavior specialist.
- Monitor and document student behavior, providing feedback to the educational team.
- Utilize de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement to manage challenging behaviors.
- Foster self-regulation, problem-solving, and social skills in students.
- Student Supervision and Safety:
- Supervise students during transitions, breaks, meals, and other non-instructional times.
- Ensure a safe and structured learning environment, addressing safety concerns promptly.
- Assist with mobility, physical needs, and personal hygiene, including toileting and feeding, as needed.
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Collaborate with special education teachers, general education teachers, therapists, and other team members to ensure consistency in student support.
- Provide input during team meetings regarding student progress, challenges, and strategies for improvement.
- Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support student success.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and progress toward IEP goals.
- Complete daily logs, incident reports, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
- Professional Development:
- Participate in ongoing training to stay current with best practices in special education, behavior management, and instructional strategies.
- Seek opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in working with students with disabilities and alternative educational needs.
Qualifications:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology, or a related field preferred.
- Experience: Previous experience working with students with disabilities, particularly in alternative education or special education settings, is highly desirable.
- Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to remain patient, compassionate, and flexible in challenging situations.
- Proficiency in adapting instructional methods to meet diverse learning needs.
- Basic knowledge of assistive technologies and educational software is a plus.
- Certifications:
- Completion of Paraeducator certification requirements as defined by state or local regulations. (preferred)
- Training in CPR, first aid, and crisis intervention (or willingness to obtain upon hiring).
Work Environment: This role is performed in a variety of educational settings, including classrooms, therapy rooms, and community environments. The position may involve physical activities such as lifting, bending, and assisting with mobility.
Key Competencies:
- Empathy and understanding of students with diverse needs.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Capacity to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
Reporting: Heartland School Special Education Paraeducators report directly to the special education teacher and school administration.
Employment Type: Full-time or part-time, based on district and school needs.
Salary: Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and pay scales for paraeducators.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Heartland School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equity in education.
Company DescriptionWhat is Heartland School?
Heartland School is a Nebraska Department of Education Level III Education Service Provider that offers a rich and engaging educational experience to students K-12.
With a total enrollment of 50 students Heartland School is able to attend to students in a therapeutic and enriching environment that encourages, sanctions, and allocates time for teachers and staff to get to know each of the students, their needs, how to assist them, and how to overcome deficits and capitalize on their strengths.
There is the time to work with the students. There is time to work with the parents and guardians without extracurricular expectations and large class sizes to contend with.
Generally, issues can be addressed quicker, plans can be arranged and services can be offered all in the hopes of returning the students back to the regular home school environment.
Company Description
What is Heartland School?\r\n\r\nHeartland School is a Nebraska Department of Education Level III Education Service Provider that offers a rich and engaging educational experience to students K-12. \r\n\r\nWith a total enrollment of 50 students Heartland School is able to attend to students in a therapeutic and enriching environment that encourages, sanctions, and allocates time for teachers and staff to get to know each of the students, their needs, how to assist them, and how to overcome deficits and capitalize on their strengths. \r\n\r\nThere is the time to work with the students. There is time to work with the parents and guardians without extracurricular expectations and large class sizes to contend with. \r\n\r\nGenerally, issues can be addressed quicker, plans can be arranged and services can be offered all in the hopes of returning the students back to the regular home school environment.