Positive Action Center Paraprofessional

About the Employer

Position Purpose

Primary responsibilities are to maintain a caring and instructional climate by providing students with a positive neutral environment to learn, employ re-teaching opportunities with a variety of prevention and intervention strategies, and build confidence in the student's ability to apply skills they have learned to live situations by accepting logical consequences. This individual may also work to provide academic assistance and collaborate with teachers to collect assignments.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Ability to interact and communicate with PAC Administrator/Trainers, students, staff, and parents in a courteous, professional manner.
• Record data for factual documentation, accountability, and evaluation purposes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to perform a variety of assigned record keeping duties.
• Ability to serve as a positive, mature role model.
• Collaborates with teachers to collect assignments and provide academic assistance.
• Maintains an instructional focus among students in the room.
• Willingness to learn alternative methods of dealing with inappropriate school behavior.
• Exercises crisis management methodologies and strategies to determine hostile behaviors leading to conflicts and ensure the safety of surrounding students and staff.
• Works with and understands the needs of a diverse student population.
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor in all circumstances.

Additional Duties

Perform other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment

This position may require the ability to use smart boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel

Limited local travel may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office environment and school buildings.
• Ability to lift, move, and reposition objects and materials – frequently exerting force equal to lifting twenty-five (25) pounds.

Interrelations

• Contact with personnel within the district and with students and parents.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the Department Supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave. Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator. All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

One or more years of job-related experience or its equivalent (preferred). Excellent attendance and work record. Ability to work with and meet individual needs of all students. Ability to comply with OPS discipline, philosophy, and guidelines.
• An Associate's degree, or completion of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours at an institution of higher learning, or demonstrated proficiency in the ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics via state or locally approved competency test.
• Previous PAC or ISS/SSC experience preferred.
• Evidence of good mental and physical health.
• Ability to perform as a team member.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Reliable transportation needed.

Reports to

School Building Principal

Work Schedule/FLSA Status

6.50 hours per day, Monday-Friday, 10-month, non-exempt

Salary Schedule

Wages are administered consistent with the negotiated agreement and board adopted salary structure.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Contingencies of Employment

The offer of employment is contingent upon: Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered). Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., paraprofessionals obtaining 'highly qualified status,' etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cumming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

Accommodation Policy

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the Human Resources Department at 531-299-0240.