S10W  Paraprofessional: Community Access/Transition (CAT)

 Characteristics of Class

Under supervision of a teacher/administrator, paraprofessional facilitates access to the community, providing instructional and functional support as determined by an individualized education program (IEP).  The role of the Community Access Transition Program (CAT) paraprofessional is to provide support to students, identified with moderate to severe disabilities, while participating in community based instructional experiences.  The CAT paraprofessional will support students in the community on foot or by public transportation for the majority of the school day.  A CAT paraprofessional serves as a representative for the CAT program, portraying each student’s uniqueness positively at all times. 

The employee assists certificated staff by: implementing lesson plans (activities which include reviewing and correcting the work of pupils), participating in parent conferences, proctoring examinations, keeping relevant records, operating instructional equipment in appropriate instructional settings, as well as performing related duties as required.

A paraprofessional serves as a “public relations” representative for the CAT program. Responsibilities may include an ability to translate and adapt materials to and from English into that language(s) may also be required.

In positions that require an employee to drive, the employee shall furnish a certificate of clearance from the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to meet District insurability.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Under the supervision of a special education teacher/administrator, employee works with a moderately-severely impaired population between ages 18-22.  Duties include assisting in the implementation of the curriculum and activities designed to serve the severely impaired pupil population.

Minimum Qualifications

One of the following: A Associates Degree or higher, or 48 college units and a high school diploma, or passing of CBEST and a high school diploma.

Capable of standing for extended periods of time (up to five hours) while in the community with students.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Utilizes knowledge appropriate to satisfy the Distinguishing Characteristics of the class listed above, examples of which may include familiarity with teaching methods, instructional media, test scoring, school organization, and school rules and regulations.  Demonstrates competency in performing the following tasks: working with pupils designated as moderately-severely impaired, able to act quickly and effectively in emergencies, working with and relating to all individuals within the culturally diverse environment of SFUSD, and developing and maintaining effective, courteous communications with pupils, staff and public.

Examples of Duties: S10W

Model and support positive integrated community based experiences for students across multiple settings; prompt students to interact with all community members to increase independence and understanding for socialization in a variety of settings.

Assist in planning lessons, preparing instructional materials, and implementing IEP goals in the community.

Work in accordance with an individualized education program (IEP), supervise and/or tutor individuals or small groups of pupils in specific skill and/or content areas.  Conduct planned lessons with assigned groups in the classroom or other assigned educational setting.

Assist in explanation of subject matter.  Administer tests and examinations, review and correct assignments; maintain individual pupil profiles.  Assist in evaluating pupils and reporting progress on IEP goals.

Prepare and maintain records and lists not required by law to be so maintained by certificated personnel.

Prepare, operate, and maintain instructional equipment and supplies such as audio-visual equipment, computers, laboratory equipment, and other teaching machines.  May also procure and store such equipment.  Issue various supplies and equipment to pupils, and maintain necessary records pertaining to instructional equipment and supplies.

Assist in maintaining classroom discipline in order to provide a positive learning environment.  Enforce classroom and school rules.  Assist in behavior management and discipline among pupils on field trips and at school site activities.

May assist other designated school staff in monitoring halls, locker areas, cafeteria, yard, auditorium, gymnasium, lavatories, and other areas of the site in accordance with program regulations.

Render first-aid in compliance with modern precautionary methods.  Report disciplinary problems and injury incidents to the proper supervisor.

May assist the professional staff in publicizing educational development programs by issuing information, objectives, and functions of the program.

Assist with pupils’ personal needs such as lifting 50 lbs, toileting, feeding, diapering and positioning, if required. 

Perform related duties as required.