Heritage Academy Paraprofessional

Job Title:Heritage Academy Paraprofessional
Department: Support Staff
Reports To:Heritage Academy Principal
Compensation: $45,920.00 per year (Tier I) / $50.400.00 per year (Tier II)
TRS Classification: Non-Classified
Summary:
Heritage Academy is a unique PK-12 bilingual learning environment that provides a non-traditional educational setting utilizing internet- based, individualized self-paced instruction in the Oklahoma City Area. . Heritage Academy offers support for English Language Learners (ELLs) as well as Spanish language classes for all grades 1 through 12 that is pedagogically sound in language acquisition theory, language learning practices, content learning, bilingualism and biliteracy, as well as socio-cultural competency.
The Heritage Academy Paraprofessionals (paras) work in our learning center facility and assist, support, and work closely with teachers, administrators, and other team members in providing educational benefits for students as well as assisting with non- instructional tasks.
Successful candidates should also have the following experiences and characteristics:

• Have an eagerness to learn and a growth mindset;
• Hold exceptionally high standards for the quality of work;
• Have well-developed emotional intelligence and moral character;
• Possess an ability to build strong relationships, thoughtfully navigate challenging situations, and get excellent results from others; and
• Have problem-solving and clear communication skills.
• Be bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by certified staff.
• Assists the certified staff in developing strategies for reinforcing learning materials and skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Monitors work, corrects papers, and supervises curriculum-based testing and makeup work as assigned by the certified staff.
• Serves as the chief source of information and help to any guest teacher assigned in the absence of the regular certified staff.
• Performs clerical, classroom maintenance, and instructional duties as assigned by the certified staff.
• Alerts the certified staff to any problem or other information about an individual student.
• Performs assigned supervision of students during lunch periods, recess, and on field trips.
• Performs assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as snack time, toileting, and clothing routines.
• When requested, serves as a resource person to the General Education Team and/or IEP / Title 1 / ESL Team(s).
• Demonstrates ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students in school environment and community.
• Participates in in-service training programs as approved.
• Maintains a safe working environment and encourages colleagues to be safety minded in the performance of all school-related duties.
• Performs other such duties / assignments as directed by the certified staff.
• Assists certified staff as directed in the effort to successfully maintain students with special needs in an integrated setting, as determined by the IEP / Title 1 / ESL Team(s).
• Report suspected child abuse/neglect.
• Support English Language Acquisition Plans (ELAPs) for ELD students.
• Support Spanish Language Acquisition Plans (SLAPs) for SLD students.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• At this time there are no supervisory responsibilities for this role.

Education and/or Experience

• OSDE paraprofessional certification required (Certification assistance can be provided if needed.)
• Experience as a paraprofessional in a classroom is preferred.

Qualifications

• The ability to work and interact with all other school personnel and students in a cooperative, collaborative and courteous manner.
• The ability to safely, accurately and efficiently follow verbal and written instructions in English and/or in Spanish.
• The ability to understand, demonstrate knowledge of, and follow all Epic policies, rules and procedures pertinent to the assigned position and duties.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in English and Spanish.
• The ability to resolve issues and conflicts.
• Strong technology skills in up-to-date computer software including Zoom, word processing and spreadsheets
• Current on new instructional technologies
• Ability to coach and mentor students ages 4-21
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others
• Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative
• Passionate commitment to the mission of school choice
• Ability to maintain professional confidentiality and comply with FERPA guidelines

Language Skills

• In both English and Spanish,
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret internal communications, and other documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or requests for assistance from district-wide staff members.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and coworkers, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent writing skills are required

Mathematical Skills
Basic math skills required
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have computer proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite. Must have a high aptitude to learn new software as necessary for the business operations of the school.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current driver's license and valid car insurance
• Valid Oklahoma Paraprofessional Certification

Other Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a state-mandated background check after a conditional offer of employment is made
• Must have favorable employment references

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here 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.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position reports to the Heritage Academy in Oklahoma City Monday through Friday. The noise level is quiet to moderately loud (when students are present.)