Introduction to Olathe Unified School
Olathe Unified School is a leading educational institution dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with diverse needs. Our mission is to empower students to reach their full potential, and we are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and community. As a Therapeutic Program Para (TPP), you will play a vital role in helping us achieve this mission by providing individualized support to students with severe social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.
Job Summary
The Therapeutic Program Para (TPP) position is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students who require specialized support. As a TPP, you will work closely with certified staff to implement individualized educational plans, behavioral intervention plans, and provide daily support to students in a site-based emotional disturbance classroom or special day school setting. This is a fully remote role, offering you the flexibility to work from anywhere, and we provide full training for our new team members, so no prior experience is necessary.
Key Responsibilities
- Adapt and provide accommodations of classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the teacher to ensure special education students can actively participate in the general curriculum.
- Aid students in and out of the classroom, including packing backpacks, note-taking, relationship building, field trips, social skills, and other activities that promote social, emotional, and behavioral growth.
- Assist students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical and/or mental health conditions, and/or physical limitations, such as changing clothing, toileting, lifting of students and/or equipment, etc.
- Attend meetings and professional development opportunities, including SCM, behavioral de-escalation and management, trauma-informed strategies, CPR, instructional and educational strategies, specific disability education, etc. to acquire and effectively implement skills relative to job functions.
- Collaborate with staff to provide necessary support and information related to student progress, as established in their Individual Education Program and Behavior Intervention Plan, under the direction of certified staff.
- Implement behavioral plans for students as designed by the IEP team to assist in meeting student needs and providing a safe, predictable, and consistent environment under the direction of certified staff.
- Assist students with challenging and/or aggressive behaviors, and instruct students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings, such as academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc. to meet Individual Educational Program goals under the direction of certified staff.
- Maintain instructional materials and data sheets to ensure availability of instructional materials and/or provide reliable data regarding student progress under the direction of certified staff.
- Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments and/or community environments to provide a safe and positive environment conducive to learning.
Essential Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- If the school building is classified as Title I, 48 hours of college credit or the ability to pass the Title I assessment test is required.
- Job-related experience is desired, but not necessary, as we provide full training for our new team members.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with students with severe social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.
- Knowledge of instructional procedures and practices, age-appropriate student activities, safety practices and procedures, conflict resolution, and stages of child development/behavior.
- Ability to communicate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, set priorities, work as part of a team, and work with constant interruptions.
Skills and Competencies
- Adhering to safety practices and operating standard office equipment, including using pertinent software applications.
- Preparing and maintaining accurate records, and appropriate use of district-approved crisis intervention procedures.
- Basic math skills, reading and following instructions, and understanding complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.
- Ability to schedule activities, collect data, and use basic, job-related equipment.
- Flexibility to work with others, work with data utilizing defined and similar processes, and operate equipment using standardized methods.
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At Olathe Unified School, we are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our team members. As a Therapeutic Program Para (TPP), you will have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and coaching from experienced educators. You will also have the opportunity to work with a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about supporting students with unique needs.
Work Environment and Company Culture
Our school is a dynamic and supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and kindness, and we are committed to creating a safe and positive learning environment for all students. As a Therapeutic Program Para (TPP), you will be part of a team that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of students and families.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary of $18.25 per hour, as well as a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We also provide opportunities for professional growth and development, including training and education programs.
Conclusion
If you are a compassionate and dedicated individual who is passionate about supporting students with unique needs, we encourage you to apply for the Therapeutic Program Para (TPP) position at Olathe Unified School. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and families, and to join a dynamic team of professionals who are committed to excellence, equity, and community. Please submit your application today and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career as a Therapeutic Program Para (TPP).
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