Substitute Paraprofessional

Position Title: Paraprofessional, Contracted Services

Location: Glascock County Schools – Combined Campus

Evaluation Instrument: Locally Designed

Contract Work Year: 190 days, 8 hours per day

Employee Classification: Classified

Reports to: Principal and Assigned Classroom Teacher(s)

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is filled through a third-party staffing agency. The instructional paraprofessional is an employee of the contracting agency and is not an employee of the Glascock County School System. Daily assignments and supervision are provided by school administrators and classroom teachers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

In Georgia, a paraprofessional employed by a Georgia LUA, must meet one of the following requirements:

·       Degree: Hold an Associate's Degree or higher in any subject from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)-accepted accredited institution; or

·       Coursework: Have completed two (2) years of college coursework (sixty [60] semester hours) at a GaPSC accepted accredited institution above the remedial level with a grade of “C” or better; or

·       Content Area Test: Have passed the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment. If eligibility is established through the assessment, the applicant must also hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in a public-school setting providing direct supervision and instructional support to students in grades K-12.

GOAL

The Instructional Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and classroom support to students in general education and/or special education settings. Under the direct supervision of certified instructional personnel, the paraprofessional assists with implementing instructional activities, supporting student learning, reinforcing behavioral expectations, and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. Assignments may vary throughout the school year based on student needs and district priorities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Support

·       Assist certified teachers in implementing classroom instruction and daily learning activities.

·       Provide instructional support to individual students and small groups as directed by the supervising teacher.

·       Reinforce academic skills and classroom concepts introduced by the teacher.

·       Assist students with classroom assignments, projects, assessments, and instructional technology.

·       Prepare instructional materials, classroom resources, and learning centers.

·       Observe student performance and communicate progress or concerns to the supervising teacher.

Student Support

·       Assist students in developing organizational, study, and independent learning skills.

·       Support student participation during classroom instruction, enrichment activities, assemblies, field trips, and school events.

·       Monitor and redirect student behavior using teacher-directed classroom management strategies and positive behavior supports.

·       Encourage positive social interactions and appropriate student conduct.

Special Education Support (When Assigned)

·       Assist in implementing accommodations and modifications identified in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

·       Support students with disabilities in accessing the general education curriculum.

·       Collect instructional and behavioral data as directed by the supervising teacher.

·       Assist students with adaptive equipment and assistive technology after appropriate training.

·       Provide personal care assistance, including toileting, hygiene, feeding, lifting, positioning, mobility assistance, or other health-related supports when required by a student's educational program and when appropriately trained.

·       Implement behavior intervention strategies under the direction of certified staff.

Classroom and School Support

·       Maintain an orderly, safe, and clean classroom environment.

·       Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, and other school activities as assigned.

·       Assist with classroom organization, inventory, copying, and preparation of instructional materials.

·       Support school-wide initiatives and programs.

·       Participate in required professional learning and staff meetings.

Professional Responsibilities

·       Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student information in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, Board policies, and district procedures.

·       Follow all district safety procedures, emergency protocols, and school rules.

·       Maintain professional relationships with students, staff, and families.

·       Report student safety concerns, injuries, suspected abuse, or unusual incidents immediately to the supervising teacher or administrator.

·       Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or supervising teacher consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

IMPORTANT NOTES

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position may require:

·       Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.

·       Lifting or assisting students weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance or mechanical devices when appropriate.

·       Assisting students with mobility and transfers.

·       Physical intervention only when trained and authorized.

·       Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Job descriptions are designed and intended only to summarize the essential duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for the purpose of clarifying the general nature and scope of a position’s role as part of the overall organization. Job descriptions do not list all tasks an employee might be expected to perform, and they do not limit the right of the employer/supervisor to assign additional tasks or otherwise to modify duties to be performed – even if seemingly unrelated to the basic job. Every employee has a duty to perform all assigned tasks. It should also be noted that the order of duties/ responsibilities as listed in the job description is not designed or intended to rank the duties in any order of importance relative to each other.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

In filling a vacant position, preferred or required credentials regarding education, training, experience, and other bona fide occupational qualifications may be established. The credentials shown in this job description may be interpreted only as the minimum criteria existing at the time the description was developed. Other bona fide occupational qualifications and criteria may be utilized as needed in the selection process.

Revised: March 2026