Paraprofessional- Special Education

SUMMARY:

Do you want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization? We are looking for a Paraprofessional who wants to assist our organization. The right candidate will enjoy learning new tasks and taking on a variety of responsibilities while working in an up-beat, nonprofit environment. Sherwood Autism Center fosters a team environment, you will work toward one goal: making sure our adults lead active and independent lives. It's more than a career; it's a fulfilling way of life.

What is Sherwood Autism Center?

Sherwood Autism Center is a non-profit committed to our mission to educate, equip, and empower adults with autism as well as other developmental disabilities to promote independence in family and community life by providing the highest quality services. Since our founding in 1974, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving our community through a wide range of impactful educational, vocational, and behavioral health programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Provide direct support with students and other teaching staff to implement both individualized and group based instruction and curriculum that is specific to each student's level of ability and in accordance with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Implement, record and help maintain progress on all components of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) including data collection for behavior reduction and targeted skill acquisition goals.
• Implement all classroom routines, schedules, community based instruction, lesson plans, and behavior support plans including SCM protocols and intervention procedures as outlined by the teacher and/or BCBA.
• Facilitate the organization of classroom furniture, supplies, materials and curriculum ensuring all are in safe and good working condition.
• Maintain appropriate engagement and participation in all scheduled meetings, trainings, work hours, etc. ensuring adherence to all attendance and tardiness policies.
• Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale 

COMPETENCIES:

Paraprofessional candidates who believe they fit Sherwood Autism Center's culture are encouraged to apply Sherwood Autism Center's culture is described as: 

• People-oriented - supportive and fairness focused
• Detail-oriented-quality and precision-focused
• Team-oriented-cooperative and collaborative

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The Paraprofessional position is located within our Special Education Department. You will be in the midst of activity and energy. This position is: 

• A good fit for applicants with gaps in their resume, or who have been out of the workforce for the past 6 months or more
• A good job for someone just entering the workforce or returning to the workforce with limited experience and education
• A job for all ages, including older job seekers, are encouraged to apply

The Paraprofessional must be able to prioritize, organize and communicate with all levels of the organization. They should be able to maintain confidentiality, be a critical thinker, as well as be concise and detail-oriented. You must have a positive demeanor, and great customer service skills.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 60+ college credit hours and/or passing the DESE approved proficiency examination for paraprofessional status
• Experience in special education instruction
• Experience with working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities
• Eligibility for MO Highway Patrol Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance 
• An important requirement for all our direct care staff: we require a successful completion of our physical fitness POET assessment prior to commencement of all applicable positions. If you do not pass, we reserve the right to adjust or rescind any offers as needed.
• Level 1 Medication Aid (must be obtained within 6 months of employment)

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Background in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Experience managing maladaptive student behavior
• Experience supporting alternative student communication systems
• MANDT certification
• First Aid/CPR Certification (must be obtained within 90 days of employment)
• Abuse/neglect training
• Class E driver's license 
• Level 1 medication administration
• Safety Crisis Management

BENEFITS:

Sherwood Autism Center recognizes the value of benefits to our employees. We offer competitive wages, and ongoing training. Full time employees are eligible for our robust, comprehensive benefits program including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Ancillary benefit options include Voluntary Short term disability, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness and Cancer Plan, Voluntary Hospital Indemnity as well as an Employee Assistance Program.
• 10 company paid holidays
• PTO/Vacation
• Paid Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program with bonuses up to $500

EMPLOYMENT POLICY:

Sherwood Autism Center's policy is to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Sherwood is proud to be a drug-free workplace.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a post-offer physical examination to confirm the ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.   

EEO STATEMENT:

Sherwood Autism Center is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment because we know that many of the greatest ideas and discoveries as well as best examples of service come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. We believe that everyone is an equal member of society and should be treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Because we believe inclusivity is critical to our success, Sherwood provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under Federal, State and local law.