School Psychology Para Educator

Purpose Statement
The job of Para Educator is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities for the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel. School Psychologists support students' learning, social development, and mental/behavioral health using problem solving, assessment, data-based decision-making, and the delivery of evidenced-based interventions. School Psychologists collaborate and consult with educators, families, and other professionals to help create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students.

This job reports to Executive Director of Special Education Department.

Essential Functions

• School psychologists provide a comprehensive range of services as described in the current standards from the National Association of School Psychologists. The school psychologist functions as part of the district's Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team(s). The services provided should reflect the specific needs of the students, families, and schools served and address the following non-exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and expectations:
• Utilizes varied models and methods of assessment and data collection for identifying strengths and needs of individual students and the broader school community, developing effective services and programs, and measuring progress and outcomes.
• Serves as a member of the interdisciplinary assessment team assigned to each school and works as a team member in making placement decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet the special needs of students.
• The school psychologist, within the interdisciplinary team, completes comprehensive evaluations for initial evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services and re-evaluations to determine continued eligibility. Evaluations include gathering background information on the student's psychological and educational history, conducting behavioral observations, conducting interviews, administering age-appropriate assessment methods and materials, interpreting assessment results, compiling comprehensive psychological evaluation reports, and maintaining monthly service logs.
• Communicates evaluation data and recommendations to teachers, parents, and other school personnel as needed, participates in eligibility meetings, and contributes to the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Consults and collaborates with colleagues, students, families, and other stakeholders to promote effective implementation of services.
• Serves as a liaison between the student, home, school, mental health facilities, and community resources to enhance academic and social-behavioral outcomes for children.
• Provides information on intervention and instructional supports to develop academic skills, socialization, learning, and mental and behavioral health.
• Develops and implements practices and strategies to create and maintain effective and supportive learning environments for children and others.
• Participates in preventive and responsive services to promote safety and well-being through implementing effective crisis preparation, response, and recovery practices.
• Implements services that respond to culture and context and facilitate family and school partnerships and interactions with community agencies for enhancement of academic and social-behavioral outcomes for children.
• Provides effective professional services that promote effective functioning for individuals, families, and schools with diverse characteristics, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Evaluates and applies research as a foundation for service delivery, maintains knowledge of current assessment methods and keeps abreast of developments and research in the field of school psychology.
• Provides services consistent with ethical, legal, and professional standards and engages in responsive ethical and professional decision-making.
• Maintains billing and service logs in a timely consistent manner.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Special Education.

Other Functions

• Perform other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student
activities; safety practices and procedures; computer skills; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed
guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working constructively and cooperatively with others; courteous, timely and helpful manner; meeting deadlines; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. There is some opportunity to affect the organization's services.

Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience: Job related experience is required.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: Successful completion of 48 college hours or ability to pass a state approved assessment within 90 days of employment is required.

Required Testing Certificates and Licenses



Continuing Educ. / Training Clearances
Minimum hours of in-service per year Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status Approval Date Salary Grade
Non-Exempt Will Range from $17.17 - 18.17

Notice of Nondiscrimination
Geary County USD #475 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and/or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For questions or complaints based on race, color, national origin, sex or age, please contact the USD 475 Executive Director of Personnel Services, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: 785.717.4000. For questions or complaints based on disability, please contact the USD 475 Executive Director of Special Education, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: 785.717.4000.