Posting Timeline
PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.
This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.
Anticipated start date for this position will be in August 2024.
Position Details
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District's focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. Non-Discrimination / Anti-Harassment Policy
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POSITION SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision from the Columbia Regional Inclusive Services (CRIS) Administration and a certified teacher, the Paraeducator Assistant Trainer provides assistance and support to School Districts, Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) Programs and Educational Service Districts within the four counties served by Columbia Regional Inclusive Services (CRIS). This consists of providing instruction and educational supports for blind/visually impaired students, to staff, students and families served by CRIS from ages 0-21. Duties include supporting and training Paraeducators, who work directly with blind or visually impaired students in the local school district setting, training and coaching, capacity building, training in and modeling of evidence based practices, instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum and the use of effective instructional strategies to support students with visual impairments though improved educational outcomes and independence.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist Paraeducators in understanding the unique educational characteristics associated with blindness and vision impairment, as well as the unique educational goals and outcomes within the Expanded Core Curriculum.
Coordinate and facilitate equipment and consumable materials, including ordering and maintaining current inventory.
Under the direction of certified staff will assist in implementing training and coaching and conduct follow-up coaching to ensure implementation and improvements in student progress and outcomes.
Model accommodations and modifications in specialized technology for individuals with vision loss including braille devices and materials, assistive technology including voice output, digital technology, braille devices, IOS and specialized software etc.
Implement instructional programs assigned by certified teacher of the visually impaired and/or orientation and mobility specialist. Complete data collection as assigned.
Assist students who are blind/visually impaired with skills in use of adaptive equipment and in making appropriate accommodations for best educational access.
Use of specialized technology for the blind and visually impaired, both hardware and software, to ensure that students have access to the core curriculum (e.g. Computers, text to speech software, Braille translation software, etc.)
Model evidence-based strategies that have been proven to be effective with students with vision impairment and the ability to model the following strategies: hand under hand guidance, human guide, and use of descriptive language in the classroom.
Model and implement strategies to adapt and accommodate classroom materials for students with visual impairments.
Work in a wide variety of educational settings, including special education classrooms, general education classrooms and the community.
Adapt materials as necessary for access to the general education curriculum.
Convey information regarding CRP programs and services.
Travel throughout the four counties served by Columbia Regional Program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Two (2) years, full time, college coursework to meet the ESEA requirements (official transcripts with at minimum 72 quarter or 48 semester credits earned MUST be provided prior to hire). PPS offers a FREE Paraeducator Assessment for applicants who do not meet the minimum college credits. For applicants who opt to take the assessment, employment is contingent on receiving a passing score.
2. Three (3) or more years of experience as a paraeducator working with students with vision loss OR working in a special education or other human services field.
3. Knowledge of and ability to read and write with braille codes including Nemeth code.
4. Experience using specialized software/technology to support students with vision loss.
5. Knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum for students who are blind or visually impaired.
6. Must be able to travel between school and district locations.
Ability to:
Work effectively with both students and adult learners.
Accomplish complex tasks with minimum supervision.
Collect and maintain accurate date
Work as a team member; strong communication and public relations skills; collaborative; consistent.
Exercise careful judgment in the performance of tasks and projects.
SALARY: PFSP Grade K; $23.07 - $28.49 per hour
WORK YEAR: 192 days
FTE: 1.0 (40 hours/week)
ANTICIPATED START DATE: August 2024
Benefits Information
Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.
Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.
For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635