Special Education Paraprofessional
: Job Details :

Shrub Oak International School (www.shruboak.org) is a therapeutic day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults with complex co-occurring conditions. Located in northern Westchester County, Shrub Oak offers unparalleled educational opportunities for autistic students in a family-centric, supportive environment. We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of students across the spectrum, and our curriculum is based on the most advanced and successful evidence-based clinical and academic approaches in ASD education.Compensation: Starting at $20/hour, depending on experienceBenefits:Available for full-time employees. An overview of our benefits:

• Insurance coverage: Health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401k w/ company match
• Tuition/Professional development assistance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Employee discounts

Job Summary:The Special Education Paraprofessional is a year-round position reporting to the Education Supervisors and working directly with classroom teachers over the course of the academic day. They provide front line direct care to either a group of students or as a one-to-one in the educational environment. The education DSP is responsible for guiding and mentoring a student, providing academic support, handling crisis management, assisting with emergency response procedures, and collaborating with all members of the Shrub Oak staff. As a coach and mentor, they work closely with colleagues to create and maintain an inclusive community and foster specific skill development to meet the individualized needs of Shrub Oak's student population. Having access to confidential information regarding Shrub Oak and its students, discretion and independent judgement is required.Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time
• Monday-Thursday, 7:45am - 3:45pm; Friday 7:45am - 3:15pm
• Please note: Holidays/school breaks may fall during regularly scheduled shifts. They are still workdays unless approved off by supervisor.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Supports students under the direction of a Certificated Special Education Teacher
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by students as directed
• Facilitates and supports students' progress toward independence
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities
• Assists student with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse
• Monitors and assists students in meeting IEP goals and objectives
• Maintains confidentiality of student information
• Participates in professional development meetings as needed and required
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments
• Participates in crisis intervention as needed and appropriate, and proactively works with students in crisis to de-escalate situations as needed and required using SOIS protocol
• Attends to and reports all emergencies and/or other situations requiring immediate attention in a timely manner to the appropriate staff member(s) in accordance with Shrub Oak policies/procedures
• Works effectively in a team environment
• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled
• Ensures safety procedures are followed

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.Requirements:Experience & Education:

• Required: Experience working with special needs populations; DSP/1:1, Home Health Aide (HHA), EMT/EMS experience a plus.
• Preferred: 5 years' experience working with students with disabilities that have significant behaviors and successful implementation of behavior plans OR three years of equivalent experience with an associate degree in human services or related.
• Experience managing challenging physical and verbal behaviors
• Knowledge of and experience with crisis prevention and intervention strategies and practices and behavior intervention plans
• Required: HS Diploma, GED or equivalent required;
• Preferred: associate's/bachelor's degree or some college

Skills & Abilities:

• Passionate about working with and mentoring students (adolescents and young adults) within area of responsibilities, all to empower their self-determination, self-advocacy and development
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to thoroughly and accurately complete documentation and other administrative tasks
• Accepts feedback for continuous improvement
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern
• Strong information processing and retention abilities
• Knowledge of administrative operations, processes, techniques and procedures
• Excellent organizational, communication and group facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively, professionally and courteously with internal and external contacts, including all Shrub Oak staff, parents, and community constituents
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
• Ability to work well within a team, as well as collaborate with colleagues, and others across disciplines within Shrub Oak staff
• Knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office 365 applications
• Ability to get TCIS trained for crisis intervention and complete/maintain all required trainings

Physical Requirements/Demands:A workday regularly includes multiple or conflicting demands, deadlines and time pressures; work regularly requires sustained concentration. Standing for sustained periods of time, bending, stretching, walking up and down stairs (building has 6 floors), around a hilly campus as needed, may also require walking between floors or between buildings at a moment's notice. May need to lift/move boxes up to 25 pounds and move/rearrange furniture.Work Environment:Located in Mohegan Lake, NY. We are a boarding school located on a 127-acre campus. The work environment will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, mostly inside the classroom or educational environment. May include work within the residential setting. The building has 6 floors accessible by staircases and elevators.EEO Statement:Shrub Oak is an equal employment opportunity employer. Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to perform the essentials functions of their job. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation.Please note:SOIS maintains a smoke-free environment to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees, and community. Smoking or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited indoors, outdoors, and during off-campus activities, with enforcement measures in place including smoke/vape detectors. Non-compliance will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.