Paraprofessional

The primary role of the Special Programs Paraprofessional is to provide general and specialized assistance to students who receive services within Special Programs. Incumbent must exercise judgment in handling student disciplinary issues and in assessing students’ skill levels. Additionally, the approach will support the Goodwill of Central Texas mission and vision.

• Role and Responsibilities
• Work with individual or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by teaching staff.
• Ability to work with students with physical, emotional, and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Strong academic skills in the four core content areas and a passion for education.
• Administer and score appropriate screenings and assessments required by the program.
• Assist with social strategies implementation as needed for individual students.
• Assists as directed by certified staff in the effort to successfully maintain students with special needs in an integrated setting, as determined by the Special Education/Section 504/ESL Teams.
• Communicate regularly with classroom teachers, special programs director, and other school staff regarding students’ needs and progress.
• Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, guidelines, and procedures.
• Support classroom instruction, in a secondary and supportive role, as needed in creating a fluid and continuous supportive culture of learning.
• Provide assistance to teachers in preparing instructional materials to be used in the program.
• Aid in data collection, analysis, and recordkeeping as pertains to identified students and their academic and social needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Assist the school team with outreach efforts and community integration events throughout the school year (periodically nights and weekends).
• Collaborate with instructional teams to address student success.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

• Required Skills and Qualifications
• Minimum of 48 hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth development or related subject areas.
• Completion of a Paraprofessional Program (can obtain upon hire).
• Experience working with high school-age students in urban, non-traditional, and/or adult education settings.
• Working knowledge of computer programs and accessing internet applications.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills by developing and implementing innovative solutions to identified or potential problems.
• Ability to cope effectively with job pressures and stress.
• Ability to embrace change positively and manage assigned workload.
• Desire to assist students with special or additional needs in a learning environment.
• Self-motivated and willing to be a team player.
• Must be adaptable to shifting priorities while maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Arabic and English.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Goodwill Central Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to a workplace where everyone feels included. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Background Check

Goodwill Excel Center is a public school and pre-employment background check and fingerprinting is required to ensure the applicant meets all eligibility requirements for the position. Additionally, positions that will be entering a campus located within a correctional facility are required to submit to pre-employment drug testing and receive a negative result as a condition of employment.

Advisor - Onground Supervised Fieldwork Advisor: Teaching Fellows Adolescent Special Education Programs