Special Education Paraprofessional

MISSION

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under supervision of a credentialed Education Specialist (Special Education teacher), assists in the direct delivery of instruction in a classroom setting. The primary objective of such assistance is to affect learning for mastery by implementing both developmental and remedial methods in basic skill areas and content areas. The employee assists certificated staff by: implanting lesson plans (activities which include reviewing and correcting the work of students), proctoring examinations, keeping relevant records, operating instructional equipment in appropriate instructional settings, as well as performing related duties as required.

You will support the Five Keys mission by creating a learning and work environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking through an equity lens. In addition, you will contribute to our appreciation of diversity and foster a climate of multicultural understanding.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Duties focus on implementing the core curriculum for the basic skill areas of math, reading, and writing
• Assist in planning lessons and preparing instructional materials
• Tutor individuals or small groups of students in specific skill and/or content areas
• Conduct planned lessons with assigned groups in the classroom or other assigned educational location(s)
• Assist in explaining subject matter to students
• Administer tests and examinations, and reviews, corrects, and re-reviews assignments
• Prepare, operate, and maintain instructional equipment and supplies such as audiovisual equipment, computers, and others as needed
• Assist in maintaining classroom discipline in order to provide a positive learning environment
• Enforce classroom and school rules
• Assist in behavior management and discipline
• Abide by Five Keys and Sheriffs Department policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience with understanding of how educational barriers affect work and training for students in the program
• Creation and documentation of related reports and data as required
• Extreme comfort working with a diverse workforce and a variety of leadership styles
• Strong listening skills, patient, and an excellent communicator
• High level of social/emotional intelligence
• Expert-level customer service skills and willingness to go the extra mile to find answers
• Professional, friendly, honest, and approachable
• Eagerness to learn new things and able to adapt to constantly changing circumstances
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team
• Creates an inclusive culture embracing the diversity of our guests and staff
• High attention to detail
• Self-starter who is willing to take on additional responsibilities when needed
• Advanced problem-solving skills; tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns
• Excellent collaboration skills and genuine interest in finding solutions
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, Gmail, and Google Drives/Docs and professional communication, including spelling and grammar
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information
• Ability to effectively and efficiently with high levels of self-accountability

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Two years of college (48 units) OR Associates Degree (or higher) required
• Pass the CBEST required
• Bachelors degree preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid CA drivers license and reliable transportation
• Travel required to Five Keys sites, communities and in-custody locations
• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
• Long periods of moving throughout the site and remaining stationary at a desk and/or computer station
• Moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities
• Clear TB Risk Assessment (or results, as needed) dated within 60 days of hire to be submitted within 10 days of hire required 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be willing and able to work in a correctional facility and travel throughout the area to community sites
• Work environment varies from site to site. There is some personal safety risk working with the at-risk population
• Moderate noise level

BENEFITS

Wonderful benefits package!

• Medical insurance monthly costs are very low
• Deductible and out of pocket expenses paid by Five Keys
• Dental, vision and life insurance premiums paid by Five Keys
• Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Accounts (transit, parking, medical, child and adult care)
• Retirement account options (STRS and 403b)
• Generous paid time off
• Annual $100 gym membership reimbursement
• Annual $100 towards smoking cessation program
• Annual $100 towards weight loss program
• Annual $50 towards athletic event participation
• Annual $50 towards a massage (after 6 months of employment)
• Free access to wellness-related apps
• Free Employee Assistance Program  

This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions and responsibilities. Five Keys Schools and Programs retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of a position at any time.