To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

                                                                 Special Education Aide

Department:             Special Education     

Bargaining Unit:        Union of Grand Rapids Education Support Professional (UGRESP)

Hourly Rate:             Determine by the collective bargaining agreement

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Aide is responsible for working as a team member in providing a quality educational program for students with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of strategies for individual and group behavioral management, academic or transitioning goals.
• Actively participate in building activities, meetings, conferences, IEPs, swimming or pool activities, lunch, community-based instruction, or activities, etc. as determined by the building administration, or assigned certified teacher.
• Present lessons, assist in instruction of information and concepts, selection and preparation of materials, establishment of reward systems, as determined by the certified teacher.
• Assist with transportation-loading and unloading of buses, city transportation.
• Transport small numbers of students to activities in school vehicles when necessary.
• Inform the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding the students.
• Follow through with suggestions by related service providers as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in implementing a community based functional instructional program.
• Assist in the medical, adaptive daily living, and self-care needs of students which could include assisting students with eating, hygiene, toileting, and diapering.
• Lift and transfer students as needed.
• Assist in preparing students for pool activities and assist in the pool with students under WSI supervision.
• Assist in behavioral/academic/vocational interventions as needed.
• Perform record keeping and organizational tasks as appropriate such as: attendance, food service records, behavior plan charting, cumulative files, Medicaid billing for personal care services, information sent home, community-based information, etc.
• Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents, and the community in professional, supportive, and cooperative ways.
• Serve as a positive role model.
• Assist in arranging and managing the physical setting so that it is conducive to learning.
• Assist with the school day activities such as before and after-school supervision, lunch and recess and bus loading and unloading supervision, to ensure the safety of all students.
• Maintain in-person and on-time attendance as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Must have:
• Completed a minimum of 60 college credits earned: or
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
• Obtained a passing score on an MDE approved ETS Paraprofessional assessment.

Preferred Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to withstand exposure to all types of weather.
• Must be able to physically restrain students when required.
• Must be able to go into the swimming and/or pool with students.
• Must be able to provide supervision on all field trips, activities and during transporting students.
• Must be able to physically push wheelchairs, must be able to physically lift and transfer students.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise students (observe, listen, assess, react) as needed to ensure a safe environment.
• Demonstrated good attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others.
• Demonstrated good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated ability to deal with parents, public, and staff members in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work with confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, and hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities.  The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.