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Position Title:

Paraeducator, Parent Liaison, Exceptional Student Education

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Salary Grade, if non-union:

Pay Grade, if union:

PA07

Non-Union or Specific Collective Bargaining Agreement:

Paraeducator Union

Our Mission:

The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The duties are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This job description is not meant to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Other duties may be assigned which are not listed. Additionally, when duties and responsibilities of this job change, this job description will be reviewed and updated, subject to changes and business necessity.

Custom Job Purpose:

The Parent Liaison, Exceptional Student Education (ESE), works to empower parents by facilitating communication between schools and home, which promotes parent engagement. The Parent Liaison, ESE, increases parent knowledge and understanding of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including students# and families# rights under the Procedural Safeguards, by providing information in individual and group settings, links to resources, and assistance in navigating the system to improve student academic and social success in school and in the community.

Essential Functions of this Job

Serves as a liaison between parents and the school by collaborating with PCPS district and area ESE personnel (e.g., area superintendent, area ESE supervisor, social worker, school counselor, psychologist, and school administration). Answers questions for parents regarding ESE services or specific ESE activities and events.

Develops a rapport with parents who have children receiving ESE services and school administration/staff in the interest of promoting the proper adjustment and progress of students.

Provides and interprets information for parents about school procedures, instructional programs, and names/roles of administrators and staff members.

Assists parents and students with accessing educational and community resources.

Facilitates parental activities districtwide, within areas, and in the community to generate a continuum for student success. Contacts parents to serve on school committees or to attend special events at the school, in the district, and in the community.

Cultivates parental interest in their children#s schools and activities through parental engagement, advocacy, and involvement in various school-connected organizations and committees.

Maintains communication logs documenting contact with parents, students, staff, and community members.

Documents communication and activities into a database used to report assistance provided to parents to the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS).

Participates in district and community committees to provide an ESE parent#s perspective.

Promotes and participates in monthly early childhood developmental screenings.

Promotes and participates in providing ESE parent trainings in collaboration with the PCPS ESE department and the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS).

Non-Essential Functions of this Job

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment. Manages competing demands. Accepts criticism and feedback. Changes approach or method to best fit the situation.

Cooperation: Establishes and maintains effective relations. Exhibits tact and consideration. Displays positive outlook and pleasant manner. Offers assistance and support to co-workers. Works cooperatively in group situations. Works actively to resolve conflicts.

Dependability: Responds to requests for service and assistance. Follows instructions and responds to management direction. Takes responsibility for own actions. Meets attendance and punctuality guidelines.

Job Knowledge: Competent in required job skills and knowledge. Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills. Keeps abreast of current developments. Requires minimal supervision. Displays understanding of how job relates to others. Uses resources effectively.

Safety & Security: Observes safety and security procedures. Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines. Uses equipment and materials properly. Reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Education, Experience and/or Certification/License Requirements

Experience: Must have a child who has received ESE services and supports and has a positive history of advocating for their child with special needs in all situations.

Education: A high school diploma, vocational, or GED certificate. Degree or formal training in related field or prior experience in education preferred.

Language Skills: Reads and comprehends simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Writes simple correspondence. Effectively presents information in one-on-one and small group situations.

Mathematical Skills: Adds and subtracts two digit numbers and multiplies and divides with 10s and 100s. Performs these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Reasoning Ability: Applies understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Deals with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office.

Work Context:

Employees in this position work in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and the ability to respond to changing goals, priorities, and needs. This position requires traveling to various school sites, work locations throughout the district. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to work in an environment for training and teaching students, use standard and specialized equipment and materials, stand for long periods of time, and communicate in person or over the telephone.

Physical Environment:

Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions and outdoors at times. Requires sitting, standing, moving about, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects frequently weighing up to 20 pounds and infrequently weighing more than 20 pounds. Requires travel to schools and worksites within the district.

Local Code:

10474

EEO5:

52

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment.