Position Title:     Paraprofessional - Media 

Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Public Schools Paraprofessional Association (GRPSPA) 

Pay Rate:             Determined by the collective bargaining agreement  

Earning Days:      Determined by the negotiated calendar 

 

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

 

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

Responsible for maintaining the library and textbook collection in your building; identifying age appropriate resources for students and teachers utilizing all library resources; selecting appropriate items in support of classroom instruction; and performing functions related to collection, processing, circulation, maintenance, and inventory of library materials and/or textbooks. This position may be requested to work flexible hours set by the building principal to ensure service and support to students and staff. 

 

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: 

 

JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Process library books, textbooks and related materials (barcoding, shelving, producing required reports, etc.) for providing students and staff with required materials 
• Assist teachers, students and administrators for identifying resource materials for use in the classroom and/or class assignments 
• Assist teachers, students and administrators for accessing the online databases for research and the Overdrive eBook library 
• Performs circulation activities (e.g. item check-in and check-out, prepare circulation reports, run overdue letters, etc.) for library accountability of all items 

• Perform media center housekeeping tasks; shelving books in proper location according to the set standard in Grand Rapids Public Schools, keeping materials in order 
• Repair books, periodicals, textbooks, and related materials for ensuring the availability of library reference and circulation materials 
• Prepare special displays, make attractive library informational bulletin boards and keep the media center a clean and inviting space for staff and students 
• Assist teachers, parents, and students in locating resource materials 
• Promote media center to staff and students by communicating about new books, book clubs, scheduled book talks, etc. 
• Respond to inquiries of students and staff (e.g. availability of books, finding appropriate reference documents, status of overdue fines, etc.) for providing information and/or direction as required 
• Evaluates books, textbooks, and equipment for retention with collection (e.g. repairing damaged books, recommending retirement of books and textbooks) for ensuring their availability 
• Maintains materials inventory (e.g. library books, textbooks, equipment and related instructional materials, etc.) for providing an up-to-date account and ensuring availability 
• Evaluates electronic equipment and works with the GRPS Helpdesk to ensure repairs in a timely manner for keeping laptops, iPads, and digital readers, etc. in good operating condition 
• Engages in all offered library training for applying what is learned back into your library 
• Processes notice of missing, damage, or overdue library books, textbooks and any other materials for providing and/or maintaining access to resources and securing reimbursement for losses 
• Work closely with staff and students for suggested curriculum aligned titles for the library or digital content 
• Run library analysis to evaluate library books in the collection for gaps in genre for creating quality book orders 
• Become knowledgeable of special needs students 
• Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents and community members in a positive, supportive, and cooperative way 
• Other duties as assigned 

This description is intended to describe the type and level of work performed by a person assigned to this position.  It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required to be performed in the position. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must have: 

• completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 Credits); OR 

• obtained an associate's or higher degree; OR 
• achieved a passing score on an MDE approved ETS paraprofessional assessment. 

• Passing of District assessment, required 
• Demonstrated successful knowledge working experience with Library World computer automation program, preferred 
• Demonstrated experience working with middle and/or high school age students 
• Good attendance and punctuality 
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students and parents in a tactful and courteous manner 
• Demonstrated ability to respect the confidentiality of student information 
• Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of the team 
• Demonstrated basic computer knowledge and proficiency 
• Excellent organizational skills 
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) 

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, 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 loud to moderate 

 

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. 

 

METHOD OF APPLICATION: 

Grand Rapids Public Schools manages employment applications online.  Applications must be completed online at https://grps.tedk12.com/hire. No hardcopy applications/resumes will be accepted for this position.  Computer terminals are available in the GRPS Franklin Campus lobby from 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday, for applicant use (Monday – Thursday during the summer). 

 

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