Paraeducator Special Education - Communication/Social Disabilities ADPTS 6.5 hrs

Job Goal

Provide instruction under the supervision of the special education teacher in a special education environment or as required by an individualized education plan (IEP); and provide support to students with social needs similar to those identified with autism spectrum disorder.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus an associate's degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited university, or satisfactory results on an AZ state-approved competency exam
• CPR/First Aid (certification provided)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer and related software
• Satisfactory criminal background check
• The physical demands as described below

Core Job Functions

• Provide individualized support: Assist individual students or small groups near the teacher to reinforce concepts and skills. This includes supporting academic and social-emotional development by helping students manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop self-awareness.
• Offer personal care assistance: Help students with severe medical conditions or physical limitations with personal care needs like toileting, feeding, and dressing, as well as administering emergency rescue medication or tube feeding, to ensure they can fully participate in the school environment.
• Implement behavior plans: Follow and assist in carrying out behavioral plans developed by a team to help students modify behaviors that interfere with their academic and social success.
• Adhere to student guidelines: Support students with their physical, emotional, and academic needs, strictly following the guidelines outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This includes administering immediate basic first aid or emergency rescue medication when needed.
• Supervise students: Help supervise students during various activities, including emergency drills, assemblies, lunch, recess, and field trips.
• Maintain a positive learning environment: Assist in keeping the classroom quiet and orderly, operate and care for instructional equipment, and help with assessments and data collection under the teacher's guidance.
• Ensure student safety and well-being: Be responsible for students' safety and well-being while they are in your care. Immediately report any concerns about substance use, child abuse, or dangerous situations.
• Professional responsibilities: Report any issues or special information about a student to the teacher. Participate in required meetings and training to improve your skills. Maintain the confidentiality of student and staff information, and perform all duties safely and prudently as assigned by your supervisor. Be flexible and ready to take on other duties related to the job function.

Core Values

• Excellence in all we do. No matter how large or small, we value excellence in all parts of this organization. Excellence is a value, a quality, and our most important product.
• Equity and fairness in all things. Education is the great leveler, and we intend for all our students, staff, and patrons to have the opportunity, tools, and ability to succeed and excel.
• Collaboration is an effective decision-making model as well as an effective morale-enhancing model.
• Integrity is simply non-negotiable. Honesty, integrity, and reliability are the foundations of our organization.
• Efficiency is the essence of being a good steward of public trust. We are supported by our community because we continually demonstrate our ability to produce the very best by carefully using the resources available.

Professional Qualities

• Respond to all internal and external customers, as it relates to position, in a prompt, efficient, friendly, and patient manner
• Function effectively as a team member
• Be responsible, reliable, and punctual
• Be flexible and adaptable to change
• Positively accept direction
• Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and parents
• Direct constructive criticism toward improving the district
• Exercise positive problem-solving behavior and conflict resolution skills
• Adhere to the dress code appropriate to the site and job
• Share sensitive student and staff information on a need-to-know basis
• Be a positive role model for students
• Work with a large cross-section of people in a professional and non-judgmental manner

Physical Requirements: Working with Students with Special Needs

• Mobility and Movement: Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, and sit. The role involves repetitive finger and manual dexterity.
• Sensory and Communication: Requires the ability to speak, hear, and see (with correction) to perform essential job functions.
• Physical Exertion:
  • Occasionally: Lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequently: Lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Constantly: Lift or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Work Environment: Employees may be exposed to various environmental factors such as odors, dust, poor ventilation, workspace restrictions, bloodborne pathogens, and loud noises.
• General: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Note: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the school/department.

Updated 9/2/25