Special Education Paraprofessional

Mission Statement

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Five Keys Overview

Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.

Our Core Competencies

A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

What it’s really like to join our agency

At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We’ve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams.
We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Paraprofessional position reports to a credentialed Education Specialist and assists in the direct delivery of instruction in a classroom setting. The primary objective of such assistance is to affect learning for mastery by implementing both developmental and remedial methods in basic skill areas and content areas. The employee assists certificated staff by: implanting lesson plans (activities which include reviewing and correcting the work of students), proctoring examinations, keeping relevant records, operating instructional equipment in appropriate instructional settings, as well as performing related duties as required.
We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people.  If this job is for you, you are able to support the Five Keys mission by creating a learning and work environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking through an equity lens. In addition, you will contribute to our appreciation of diversity and foster a climate of multicultural understanding.
This part-time position supports multiple community and in-custody sites throughout Los Angeles County. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Duties focus on implementing the core curriculum for the basic skill areas of math, reading, and writing
• Assist in planning lessons and preparing instructional materials
• Tutor individuals or small groups of students in specific skill and/or content areas
• Conduct planned lessons with assigned groups in the classroom or other assigned educational location(s)
• Assist in explaining subject matter to students
• Administer tests and examinations, and reviews, corrects, and re-reviews assignments
• Prepare, operate, and maintain instructional equipment and supplies such as audiovisual equipment, computers, and others as needed
• Assist in maintaining classroom discipline in order to provide a positive learning environment
• Enforce classroom and school rules
• Assist in behavior management and discipline
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience with understanding of how educational barriers affect work and training for students in the program
• Creation and documentation of related reports and data as required
• Expert-level customer service skills and willingness to go the extra mile to find answers
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, Gmail, and Google Drives/Docs and professional communication, including spelling and grammar
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or the equivalent, AND
• Two years of college (48 units) or AA degree, OR
• Pass the CBEST required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• To promote the health and safety of its employees, those we serve and our local communities, Five Keys requires that all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or adhere to all weekly testing and safety measures. Employees may also request and receive approval for an exemption from this policy. Exemptions are granted to accommodate a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. 
• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
• Valid CA driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Travel required to Five Keys sites, communities, in-custody, and home or hospital locations
• Long periods of moving throughout the site and remaining stationary at a desk and/or computer station
• Moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is contingent upon: 

• Satisfactory results of a Live Scan (criminal background investigation)
• Successfully obtaining jail clearance for positions working in county jails or probation locations
• Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• Moderate to high noise level
• Must be willing and able to work in a correctional facility and travel throughout the area to community sites
• Work environment varies from site to site
• Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing).