CHICO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL-EXTENSIVE NEEDS
PROMOTIONAL ONLY EXAMINATION
Salary Placement – Employment is at the first step for new employees. There are additional steps for longevity. The Human Resources Office determines promotional employees step placement.
Starting Salary: $20.78/Hour | Salary Range: $20.78 – $32.23/Hour
GENERAL INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS:
A. Apply on-line at www.edjoin.org.
B. Read the job announcement prior to completing the application form.
C. To claim Veterans’ credit on open entry-level exams, you must submit a copy of your DD214. If claiming disability Veterans’ credit, applicant must include evidence of current receipt of disability benefit by the closing date for filing applications.
D. KEEP THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT! If you have not received e-mailed notification for the exam by the day prior to the date announced, call the Classified Human Resources Office at (530) 891-3000 x 20104.
E. Complete all parts of the application. The completed application and any requested attachments must be received by 12:00 PM on the closing date. Late applications are not accepted.
THE POSITION:
The District anticipates openings and is establishing an eligible list for Instructional Paraprofessional-Extensive Needs. The eligible list resulting from this recruitment will be used to fill openings in this classification for up to 6 months. Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: (3) years’ experience as an Instructional Paraprofessional, or; AA degree or higher, 48 units of college-level credit plus one (1) year of experience as an Instructional Paraprofessional, or; Para-educator certificate plus one (1) year of experience as an Instructional Paraprofessional. All persons interested and who meet job related and essential qualifications are encouraged to apply. CUSD is an affirmative action employer and will not discriminate against employees or discriminate in employment of classified personnel with regard to age, ancestry, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, military and veteran status, national origin, physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, race, religious creed, sex, or sexual orientation of any person. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION:
The examination consists of an evaluation of the application for education and experience that pertains to job related and essential qualifications. The top candidates will be invited to continue the exam process. The District will determine the top candidates based solely on the information submitted with the application. Those top candidates who need to meet the requirement for a qualifying Competency Test will be invited to the exam which tests competencies in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and the Ability to Assist in Instruction. Candidates who submit proof, with the application, of a valid California teaching credential, passing the CBEST or having completed 48 or more college units will not take the Written Exam. Successful promotional candidates will have ¼ point for each year of service up to a maximum of 5 points.
APPLICATION/EXAMINATION DATES & CERTIFICATION:
a. Closing date for filing applications: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 12:00 PM
b. Date of Written Exam: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 (during the day)
c. Certification shall be according to Merit System §1507.
JOB DESCRIPTION INFORMATION
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision of site administration and special education administration, assists in the educational program for students with disabilities using a variety of instructional and behavioral techniques in both general education and special education classrooms for students with disabilities, including but not limited to, emotional disturbance, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or intellectual disabilities. This position requires that all incumbents be able to work with special needs populations with cognitive, physical, or emotional needs, and must be able to provide support in multiple grades and classes.
CAREER HIERARCHY WITHIN SPECIAL EDUCATION
1. Behavior Specialist is the senior-most classified hourly position within Special Education and works directly with management staff. The Behavior Specialist provides support, training, consultation and assessment to staff in support of students with significant behavioral challenges in CUSD.
2. Instructional Paraprofessional – Intensive Behavior Interventionist (IBI) is the second most senior position and works directly, training and coordinating, with Behavior Management Assistants and provides training to Instructional Paraprofessionals. The IP-IBI provides support and assistance to the classroom teacher and Instructional Paraprofessionals in the development and implementation of intensive behavioral supports to students with behavioral issues including implementation of comprehensive positive behavioral support plans, effective behavior management strategies, and data collection.
3. Instructional Paraprofessional – Extensive Needs (IP-EN) works directly with Instructional Paraprofessionals and Education Specialists in providing instructional and behavioral interventions for supporting students with extensive needs. Support could include academic, communicative, behavioral and/or medical strategies.
4. Instructional Paraprofessional (IP) works within all areas of special education supporting teachers and all levels of the special needs population. They perform a variety of instructional support duties involved in providing instructional assistance to individuals or small groups of students in various special education programs and to perform a variety of clerical duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED - May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assist therapists, specialists, and teachers to implement strategies and program modifications in accordance with a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Employ approved, age-appropriate techniques for responding to students who’s academic or behavior needs are extensive. Students may become injurious to themselves or others and the IP-EN will reinforce behavior support techniques, as directed by supervisor, and/or specialist.
Assist certificated teaching staff with the development and preparation of instructional materials for students.
Assist in the delivery of age/grade level appropriate instructional accommodations or modifications and support behavior intervention ensuring subject matter relatability.
Provide feedback and data to therapists, specialists, and teachers about student performance and progress related to all areas of individual needs.
Collect, evaluate and monitor data collection to ensure the success of behavior plans. Maintain data, as directed, in a variety of records, files or formats.
Assist students with certain adaptive skills including, but not limited to, toileting, diapering, and feeding.
Support students through transition into education settings throughout their day. Maintain supervision as assigned.
Successfully complete District mandated training as assigned.
Communicate with supervising instructional staff and Instructional Paraprofessional staff for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementation IEP and/or other learning objectives, exchanging information and resolving issues as appropriate.
Assist assigned students with following classroom routines and transitions for the purpose of providing support to diminish the likelihood of difficulties for the student and modeling appropriate participation in all classroom activities.
Guide students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic, subjects, social skills, daily living skills, behavioral skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implement IEP/BIP plans; and ensure student success in school.
Respond to emergency situations (e.g. medical issues, inappropriate behavior, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining student well-being, monitoring behavior plans, student behavioral levels, and communicate information to appropriate personnel upon resolution
Administer immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a healthcare professional for the purpose of providing specialized health care services to students in accordance with established procedures assigned by the position.
Maintain classroom equipment, instructional materials and manual or electronic files/records (e.g. student data, inventory levels of classroom supplies, supply orders, behavioral plans, IEP’s, library books, iPads, Chrome Books, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items, provide written reference, provide a safe learning environment and/or meeting mandated requirements.
Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. restrooms, breakfast and lunch times, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment
Learn student specific specialized health care procedures. May perform specialized healthcare procedures as needed; including, but not limited to:
o Gastrostomy tube feeding (tube to syringe method);
o Gastrostomy tube feeding (slow drip method);
o Measure and administer medications via oral, rectal, and gastrostomy tube routes;
o Suctioning (oro-nasal);
o Nebulizer (breathing treatments).
Attend and participate in staff and parent meetings and in-service activities as assigned; attend workshops, conferences and classes to increase professional knowledge.
Maintain confidentiality of students’ and all related records,
Perform other related duties as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Communication skills to interact in both formal and informal settings and with populations having difficulty with oral and written communications;
Advanced knowledge and training in alternative educational delivery techniques for students with specific needs related to their disability;
Well-developed human relational skills to work productively and cooperatively with teachers, students, specialists, and parents in formal and informal settings;
Basic and specialized instructional techniques for working with students with disabilities;
Reading, language development, and mathematics equivalent to high school competencies;
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
Basic clerical procedures;
Simple record keeping procedures;
General methods of education and tutoring;
Basic child development theory and principles;
Techniques to motivate students and positively support the improvement of student behavior;
Safe work practices.
Skill to:
Operate equipment used as educational aids;
Operate modern office equipment;
Interact effectively and sensitively with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
Read, write and understand the English language;
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to:
Exercise patience when conveying information to students having difficulty with verbal and written communications and demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of students;
Learn the procedures and functions necessary to perform assigned duties;
Learn instructional terminology, program philosophies, concepts, materials, methods and procedures;
Learn child guidance principles and practices;
Effectively direct the work of individual students and groups of students;
Recognize potential of students and encourage their participation in educational programs and activities;
Assist with the instructional and related activities of the assigned learning environment;
Support the assigned teacher's style of classroom management;
Supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and procedures;
Perform clerical duties, including filing and duplicating;
Maintain accurate records;
Maintain confidentiality of student and school information;
Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three (3) years’ experience as an Instructional Paraprofessional, or;
Education:
AA degree or higher, 48 units of college-level credit plus one (1) year of experience as an Instructional Paraprofessional, or;
Para-educator certificate plus one (1) year of experience as an Instructional Paraprofessional.
Training:
Must attend all required trainings including, but not limited to, trainings providing advanced intervention strategies.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must pass the competency exam of the classification as designated by the Classified Human Resources Department.
License and Certificate Requirement:
Pass the District Competency Test for Instructional Assistants/Paraprofessionals.
May require current First Aid and CPR certification.
Certification by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) in non-violent interventions must be obtained within three (3) month of employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Please refer to the Job Analysis for IP: Intensive Behavior Interventionist.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATIONS
The following employment information is a summary and is not intended to be all-inclusive. For specific details, see the Agreement between Chico Unified School District and the Chico Chapter #110, CSEA.
1. Vacation Credit – Shall be accrued 1 day/month for 0 4 full years of service. Beyond 4 years refer to agreement. Each employee who is in a paid status less than 1/2 of the workdays in any month shall accrue 1/2 of a full month's vacation credit. Each employee in a paid status for 1/2 or more of the workdays in any month shall accrue a full month's vacation credit.
2. Holidays – Employees in a paid status the day before or after the holiday are entitled to holiday pay.
3. Health and Welfare Benefits – Full-time employees of the District receive up to $1,360/month to be applied towards a health plan for themselves and dependents. Part-time employees are eligible with the cost pro-rated based upon hours worked. The District pays the full cost of a dental and a vision plan for employees (and dependents) that work 6 hours or more per day. Any employee working less than 6 hours may elect dental and/or vision coverage at his/her cost. A term life insurance plan is also provided by the District to full-time employees and is available for part-time employees. Part-time employees may have these costs pro-rated based upon hours worked. Dependents may be covered with term insurance at employee expense. Income protection insurance is paid by the District for all employees.
4. Sick Leave – One day of sick leave is earned for each month worked, with unlimited accumulation.
5. Probationary Period – All employees must serve a probationary period of six months in any classification for which they are hired, or which they transfer or promote into.
6. Retirement – All employees assigned 4 or more hours/day must join Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
7. Social Security – All classified employees are covered by Social Security and must contribute to the Social Security system.
8. Credit Unions – There are credit unions available for membership by all classified employees.
