Program Assistant (Paraprofessional)

The Program Assistant is responsible for providing comprehensive direct care and instructional support to students with autism spectrum disorders. The Program Assistant functions as a member of the educational and therapeutic team.
 
Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Special Education Teacher and licensed Therapists, provide instructional support, including generalization of academic and non-academic skills during individual and group sessions
• Implement Teacher and Therapist plans to facilitate individual sessions with students
• Supervise students and provide assistance as needed with activities of daily living, including but not limited to toileting, feeding, dressing, etc.
• Supervise and engage with students during less structured times of the school day such as opening, lunch coverage, recess, and snack times
• Complete professional documentation including daily communication logs to families, behavioral data collection, accident reports, physical intervention and seclusion forms, etc.
• Collaborate with Teachers and Therapists to learn instructional and educational strategies as well as discuss student programming and needs
• When the opportunity for inclusion arises, serve as inclusion aide in a setting outside of Giant Steps to ensure consistency and support for the student
• Participate in team meetings, classroom meetings, program-specific meetings, all-school meetings, and professional development activities
• Complete any classroom and/or program needs as determined by the Teacher, Senior Program Assistant, or Administrators
• Support students during Community Based Instruction and field trips by gathering appropriate supports before the trip, targeting appropriate goals during the outing, and closely monitoring students to ensure their safety and that of those in the community
• Support students in other classrooms as a substitute Program Assistant when needed
• Offer to help staff throughout the building if additional support is necessary in a situation with a student
• Adhere to company policies and procedures