Educational Support Professional

Position Start Date 8//6 Terms/Schedule Months Appointment Type Full Time Description REPORTS TO: Principal JOB CATEGORY: Support SUMMARY: The Special Education ESP Works with and supports individual students as well as small groups of students, under the direction of the classroom teacher. RESPONSIBILITIES: (May include all or some of the following depending on assignment) General support to students: 1. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, implements instructional services and lesson plans ( reading, math, writing, communication, social skills, personal care, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts and objectives. 2. Communicates with school staff and support personnel for the purposes of assisting in the effective implementation of the IEP and for sharing information about students and their needs. 3. Monitors individual and/or groups of students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments ( lunch, bus arrivals/dismissals, playground, classrooms, restrooms, field trips, assemblies, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. 4. Models appropriate behaviors and maintains behavioral expectations and discipline procedures established by the classroom teacher. 5. Responds to emergency situations ( injured students, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing students to see appropriate personnel for resolution. Behavioral support to students 1. Under the direction of the classroom teacher, provides preventative and follow-up behavior management to students exhibiting disruptive behaviors and documents situations accordingly. 2. Assists the teachers in addressing and meeting the physical safety needs of students ( the implementation of student behavior plans, prompting strategies, proximity control, etc.) for purposes of ensuring effective and safe student learning. 3. Uses de-escalation techniques to assist with behavioral non-compliance and to work with students in crisis to enable their return to the proper academic setting. 4. Assists the teachers in instructing and developing skills for students to direct their own behavior and to foster independence. 5. Models conversation, manners, listening skills, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior. Health, medical, and physical support to students 1. Attends to the health and physical needs of students, which may include feeding, toileting, diapering, responding to medical emergencies and handling equipment. 2. Assists the teacher(s) in instructing and developing skills for students to direct their own personal care and to foster independence. 3. Assists students with the use of adaptive equipment or assistive technology to include enabling them to access their electronic communication devices, switches, pointers, etc. for the purpose of ensuring equipment is accessible and functional. 4. Assists students with mobility needs, including getting in and out of wheelchairs; lifting and positioning students; getting on/off the bus; transporting students in wheelchairs in and around school and on field trips, for the purpose of ensuring the students get to and from school and to the proper places safely. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Attends meetings, trainings, and other professional learning sessions for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions. 2. Maintains confidentiality of student information. 3. Participate in IEP team meetings or IEP development as requested by the special education teacher, program support teacher, or school/district administration. 4. Assists the teacher(s) in documenting students’ daily activities ( behavior, assignment completion, on/off task time, etc.) for the purpose of progress monitoring. 5. Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective implementation of students’ special education programs. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 1. Knowledge of business English, spelling and mathematics. 2. General working knowledge of standard office equipment. 3. Spanish/English bilingual fluency preferred. INTERPERSONAL QUALITIES: 1. Dedication to the mission, vision, core values and strategic goals of Kenosha Unified School District. 2. Ability to readily adapt to the ever-changing needs of the students under one’s supervision. 3. Possession of sensitivity to cultural diversity and acceptance of all students. 4. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. 5. Ability to learn assigned tasks quickly and adhere to prescribed departmental and District procedures and policies. 6. Ability to deal tactfully with staff, students, public visitors and coworkers. 7. Possession of effective oral, written and listening communication skills. 8. Ability to deal with confidential information in a professional manner. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to frequently move and transfer students up to pounds and assist them with their activities of daily living; must be willing and able to perform special health care procedures as outlined and instructed by the school nurse; must be willing and able to provide hygienic assistance to students. DISCLAIMER: This preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: months TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: months SALARY RANGE: As per the last approved Educational Support Professional hourly wage schedule Minority applicants are encouraged to apply. The Kenosha Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer with established policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability or handicap, sexual orientation, or political affiliation in an educational program, activity, or employment in the District. The Superintendent of Schools/designee (--0) addresses questions regarding student discrimination, and the Chief Human Resources Officer (--3) answers questions concerning staff discrimination. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Education: a. Required – High school diploma and Associates degree or credits from an accredited higher education institution in a related field. Passing WorkKeys testing is accepted. Please contact HR for details. b. Preferred – Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 2. Experience: a. Required – Training in Bloodborne pathogens and a minimum of two years’ current work experience with school-aged children in a school or group environment. 3. Certifications: a. Required – Special Education Program Aide License issued by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction or another valid and current DPI license or permit; must be renewed every five years.