About this role
Opening - Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional long-term substitute needed to fill a leave of absence immediately through approximately February 2026 Part-time Position: No benefits Reports To: Classroom Teacher/Building Principal QUALIFICATIONS: 2 years of study at an institution of higher education or obtain an associates degree or higher or pass the ParaPro Assessment. After 20 days required to show completion of a RIDE approved Teacher Assistant Training Program or proof of registration in such a program or Teacher Assistant Certification from another state. Available programs can be found here: https://ride.ri.gov/teachers-administrators/other-tools-information/teacher-assistants Completion of a Teacher Assistant Pre-Employment Training Program approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE). Exceptions to this particular qualification are those with a TA certification from another state or those with Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree AND who have completed coursework or other training consistent with the teacher assistant program standards. Candidates will be expected to attend Safety Care training. Meet one of the following requirements: Successfully pass the ParaPro Assessment OR Complete at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education OR Obtain an Associate’s Degree or higher 1. Minimum, High School Diploma or GED 2. Must maintain strictest standard of confidentiality. 3. Valid Paraprofessional certificate with instructional qualifications as required by the RI Department of Education OR proof of registration in an approved RIDE Teacher Assistant Training Course 4. Ability to participate in Safety Care training and be part of a Safety Care team 5. Ability to work with all children in a sensitive and effective manner 6. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions 7. Ability to learn assigned duties readily and to adhere to prescribed classroom procedures 8. Ability to assist with lifting and/or assist with toileting 9. Ability to follow a toileting plan when one of the primary student support personnel for a student who requires lifting or toileting is absent 10. Additional training may be required if deemed necessary for the position POSITION SUMMARY: Provide one-on-one instructional reinforcement (referred to as tutoring in Title I programs) if such is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher, Assist with classroom management, such as by organizing instructional materials, Provide instructional assistance in a computer laboratory, Provide instructional support in a library or media center, Provide instructional assistance along with acting as a translator, or Provide instructional support services under the direct supervision of a highly qualified teacher. The position of paraprofessional assists teachers with instructional duties and helps to provide a safe learning environment for all students. Paraprofessionals work in a classroom setting with a small group of students or individual students. This position requires a desire and ability to work with students across various domains which include assisting students to learn and apply academic skills, self-help skills, communication skills, mobility skills, socialization skills, self-regulatory skills, and positive behavioral interaction skills. This position may require the individual to work closely and collegially with a team of professionals and support professionals in a flexible and cooperative manner, putting the needs of the students first. This work involves the development of effective relationships with both the students and other adults working within the classroom. This may require an unusual amount of patience, consistency, flexibility, tolerance and empathy on the part of the employee. This work may require the performance of various instructional and therapeutic duties that may be unique to the student and/or the classroom. These duties, although specialized, can be learned on the job whereby job embedded professional development may be provided via an outside consultant as determined by the administration. PLEASE NOTE: The position available involves working with students who have social emotional learning needs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Adheres to the policies of the Portsmouth School Department 2. Promotes the attainment of the District's mission, vision, and strategic plan 3. Assists in small group and individual instructional activities in the classroom 4. Follows teacher direction with regard to assisting/supporting other students within the classroom/building 5. Assists with various data collection procedures 6. Provides transitional support to students 7. Demonstrates knowledge of specific disabilities that are part of the IDEA 8. Assists in incorporating differential reinforcement in appropriate alternative responses into behavior program/plan. 9. Utilizes prompts and redirection strategies (i.e.: following routines, utilization of picture schedules and maintaining overall consistency in regard to responses/reactions to students). 10 Attends to personal needs of children (dressing, washing, feeding, changing diapers) 11. Demonstrates proficiency in essential computer and technology applications as required 12. Prioritizes the needs and requests of students and teachers within the school setting and responds in a professional and efficient manner. 13. Supports student social emotional learning, able to implement behavior intervention plans developed by the team, and track data necessary for the implementation 14. Performs responsibilities unique to teacher assistants who work with students who have developmental, cognitive, learning, physical and/or social-emotional disabilities. 15. Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other activities, as needed. 16. Exhibits interpersonal skills of a collegial partner with other professionals in order to help create and maintain a positive learning environment. 17. Other duties as assigned Physical Requirements: 1. Communicate and detect information at levels to be able to make presentations and exchange information in person and on the telephone 2. Express oneself so others will be able to clearly understand 3. Constantly operate a computer keyboard and manipulate paper 4. Detect, determine, perceive and identify documentation and reports, and to observe students 5. Able to meet multiple demands from several people and meet deadlines with severe time constraints 6. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, in both indoor and outdoor environments, and possible move and traverse in order to maintain a safe learning environment 7. Stamina to work irregular or extended hours to include a full day and then attending meetings or supervising evening events 8. Work at a desk, conference table, small student classroom table, or in meetings in various configurations 9. Position self to be able to retrieve items overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally 10.Move and transport moderately heavy objects
National and State Criminal Background Check in accordance with RIGL 3 letter of reference uploaded with your application Pre-employment physical Required