Special Education ParaProfessional: Access Learning Academy

Access Services is hiring a full time Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2023-2024 school year at Access Learning Academy in Pottstown, PA. Access Learning Academy is a unique emotional support school that serves students in 6th to 12th grade, who are referred to us from 10 different districts. We serve students who have internalized behaviors like anxiety and depression, and at times struggle to navigate life. The Special Education Paraprofessional will join a team of seasoned professionals who are passionate about investing in students and empowering their adaptability for the future.  Our team of staff at Access Learning Academy deeply values encouraging one another.  Our supportive workspace allows us to thrive professionally, and better support students and their families through the academic journey. This Special Education Paraprofessional will be responsible for the care, learning, and developmental activities, specialized programs, and redirection of our middle school to high school students. 

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional to work with our students who require additional emotional and educational support. The successful candidate will collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other staff to provide students with the best learning experience possible. This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills, patience, and the ability to think quickly and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.  

Essential Functions:   

• Plan and implement activities that promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of students in grades 6th to 12th.  

• Modify traditional education curriculum to meet each child's needs. 

• Use various teaching methods to promote learning including intensive individualized instruction, problem-solving assignments, and small group work. 

• Work together with an IEP team to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student; Review IEP with parents, administrators, and general education teachers, and set personalized goals for students.  

• Develop plans outlining specific steps to prepare students for transition back to their home district or graduation. 

• Engage with current and prospective parents and family members, share student’s progress, and be responsive to the needs of families. 

• Keep the Access Learning Academy Director informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of children. 

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance, and work scheduled overtime, or be available for unplanned overtime as necessary, to meet program needs. 

• This position requires the ability to travel during a normal workday to successfully carry out the expectations of this position.  Therefore, an employee will need to drive a vehicle in a safe manner, meet eligibility criteria as outlined in Motor Vehicle Policy, and successfully pass the agency’s substance abuse screening at any time during employment.  

Requirements

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in education with a Special Education certificate required; master's degree desirable. 

Certification:  

• Current valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania teaching credential.  

• Current CPR/First Aid certification. 

• Currency of ACT 48 requirements with PDE. 

Experience:  

• One year of professional experience as a special education teacher is preferred, but we are willing to provide training for the right candidate. 
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Desire to work with children with emotional and behavioral challenges.  

• Familiarity with developmentally appropriate curriculum. 

• Commitment to professional development.  

• Enthusiastic team player.  

• Must be able to intervene and de-escalate students if agitated through non-physical interventions with a team.  

• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms, and technology.  

Competencies:  

• Client Focused: Dedicated to meeting the requirements of internal/external stakeholders in ALA (Access Learning Academy).  

• Teamwork: Balances responsibilities; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to a positive team spirit and builds group commitments to team goals; puts success of team above own interests.  

• Compliance: Maintains all licenses and certifications required; follows all state and federal laws and Access Services policies and procedures. 

• Quality: Generates work at expected standards of performance, and is accurate, neat, orderly, complete, and reliable. 

• Communication Skills: Organizes and presents ideas and information in a professional, clear, concise manner, either written or verbally.  

• Interpersonal Skills: Maintains confidentiality; remains open to others’ ideas; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; handles conflict professionally; participates in meetings.  

• Dependability: Adheres to attendance standards; follows through on instructions; responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; completes task in a timely manner. 

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Benefits

• $48,000-$52,000, with salary range based on education and related work experience.  

Benefits:  

• Paid Time Off (5 days included during school year), all School Holidays, including one week of Christmas break, and one week of spring break.   

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) 

• Retirement Plan (401k match) 

• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) 

• Short Term & Long-Term Disability 

• Tuition Reimbursement, and Student Loan Aid 

• Professional Learning & Development 

• Employee Assistance Program, Gym benefits 

• Referral Bonuses (up to $750 per referral)