Mental Health Para-Professional

Job SummaryResponsible for providing hands-on support to the qualified professional when working with students individually and in groups, assisting with lesson plans and materials as needed. Responsible for monitoring and reporting student progress in areas of behavior and performance.QualificationsSecondary school diploma or equivalent is required; a Bachelor’s degree advantageousProven work experience as a Paraprofessional or similar role, preferably in the Mental Health fieldBasic knowledge of childhood growth and developmentMust complete and pass a criminal background checkPassionate, dedicated, and committed to teaching childrenExperience in helping teachers/licensed professionals in a classroom environment desiredExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsRecent first aid and CPR certificationsExperience working with children and special needs studentsProfessionalism, confidentiality, and organization; ability to work with culturally-diverse families and communities with the ability to be culturally sensitive, appropriate and non-judgmentalExperience with educational software is an advantageAbility to maintains HIPAA standards of privacy and confidentialityKey ResponsibilitiesPrepare the classroom to promote a healthy and safe learning environmentEnsure classroom safety guidelines are met at all times; organize the classroom and teaching materials, monitoring the classroom during lessons, and minimize distractions and disruptionsCoordinate with the licensed professional on lessons and daily classroom activitiesCo-teaching lessons under the qualified professional’s guidance, leading small groups or individual instruction and discussions and reviewing classworkServes customers by greeting, answering or referring inquiries, and maintaining confidentialityEngage with children to enhance and encourage learning; supervise students in and out of the classroomAttend to students’ physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs; assists students as necessary with physical needs including feeding, toileting, lifting and mobilityAssists students with healthcare procedures including hygiene as needed for daily careAssists students with assistive technology devices, including communication devices, switches, and orthopedic devices needed for sitting, walking, or standingHelp qualified professionals with extracurricular activities and program functionsPerform clerical duties, such as tracking student attendance, typing, filing, photocopying, and grading tests and homework, if applicableEnsure the upkeep of educational materials, equipment, and suppliesTrack students’ progress and prepare reports for the parentsAssist qualified professionals on the requirements and development of their children; engage with children to enhance and encourage learningAssists with the distribution of food, supplies, materials and equipment, including technologyPerform other duties as assigned