Para-educator

About the Role

This special education para-educator position is designed to support the implementation of educational and functional skill programs for students facing challenges including visual impairment, language delays, social difficulties, cognitive or physical disabilities, and emotional barriers to learning. The para-educator will work closely with students individually or in small groups and aid with administrative duties as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom teacher with instructing students who are visually impaired or have multiple disabilities.
• Engage students individually or in group settings under the teacher's guidance.
• Physically support non-ambulatory students by lifting and carrying as needed.
• Prepare classroom materials and equipment for student use.
• Implement teacher lesson plans, maintain classroom routines, and carry out tasks including guidance from therapists.
• Support students during daily routines such as eating, toileting, proper positioning, lifting, documentation, and other clerical assignments.
• Follow organizational policies and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate flexibility to assist wherever needed within the program.
• Participate in scheduled training sessions and staff meetings to enhance skills.
• Complete Medicaid-related documentation as required.
• Perform various physical movements including standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, pushing, and pulling consistently throughout each day.
• Regularly lift objects or students weighing up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong desire and commitment to working with children.
• Ability to follow instructions and adapt to unique or changing circumstances.
• Skills to build positive relationships with students and their families.
• Demonstrate continued growth in knowledge and skills through work performance.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality standards.
• High school diploma or equivalent credential required.
• Possession of a current Level 1 IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Certification in CPR, AED, and First Aid up to date.
• Familiarity with Article 9 regulations.
• Basic computer literacy including keyboard skills.
• Spanish language skills (reading, writing, speaking) are considered beneficial.

Personal Traits

• Responsible and accountable in all roles.
• Trustworthy with a commitment to ethical practice.
• Critical thinking abilities to assess and respond to challenges.
• Collaborative team player.
• Belief in every child's ability to learn and succeed.
• Celebrate milestones and progress made by students.
• High self-awareness and professional conduct.

Additional Information About Employer

The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC), established in 1952, is a highly regarded nonprofit organization recognized nationally for its services to blind and visually impaired individuals across all ages. Serving more than 2,000 individuals from infancy through the elderly on multiple campuses in the Valley, FBC is noted for pioneering educational programs and innovative approaches in the blind community. Their preschool offering is among the largest in the southwestern United States, reinforcing their vision to ensure vision loss remains a diagnosis, not a disabling condition.