Join Our Team! Para Educators Needed for the 2025-2026 School Year

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? The Special Education Department is looking for caring, dedicated Para Educators to join our team for the upcoming school year!

As a Para Educator, you’ll play a vital role in supporting students and teachers, helping create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Your responsibilities will include:

•  Working with small groups of students to reinforce learning
•  Assisting teachers with grading, classroom prep, and clerical tasks
•  Supervising students during school activities like field trips, assemblies, and lunch
•  Helping set up engaging science, music, and art activities
•  Providing support during testing and classroom management
•  Assisting children with disabilities in maintaining their daily routines
•  Helping organize parent conferences and stepping in when teachers need coverage
•  Supporting students with crisis intervention when needed
•  Occasionally assisting with school monitor, food service, or custodial duties as a substitute

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to be a part of students' growth and success while working in a collaborative and supportive school environment.

If you’re patient, compassionate, and eager to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and become a valued member of our Special Education team!

Sets up and clears off dining tables; changes table linen; Prepares food trays and delivers to various assigned areas of the institution; Serves meals; Fills sugar bowls, salt and pepper shakers, napkin containers, relish trays; Cleans and cuts vegetables; cuts baked goods; butters bread; makes sandwiches; Polishes silverware, cleans trays, dining room tables and chairs; Cleans dish and linen closets; Cleans dining room; Cleans utensils and equipment; Washes dishes; Assists with preparation of food as directed; Unpacks and stores food; May act as cashier; May maintain records as directed; May arrange and post informational material received from outside agencies; May perform school monitoring or custodial duties on a substitute basis.

Prepares and cooks a variety of food items; Cuts, cleans and dresses meats, fish and poultry; Prepares vegetables, soups, salads and desserts; Backs up food serving line; Cleans utensils, equipment and general work area; Supervises the proper storage of food and beverage items and kitchen utensils and equipment; Maintains sanitary conditions in work areas; Keeps records, inventories and daily logs; May be required to order, receive and store food and supplies; May assist in menu planning; May supervise or train Food Service Helpers; May use computer applications such as spreadsheets, work processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.

The work involves responsibility for the administration, interpretation and application of Federal, State and local regulatory requirements and prevailing professional standards for health, safety and environmental issues not regulated for participating Orange County school districts. The incumbent develops and coordinates appropriate workshops and training to keep districts current with changes in laws and regulations and acts as a liaison between the districts and the regulatory agencies responsible for enforcement of health and safety laws. Work is performed under the administrative direction of the Assistant Superintendent with wide leeway allowed in carrying out the details of the work. Does related work as required.

Administers, interprets, updates and provides technical assistance with Federal, State and local health and safety laws and regulations, as well as, professional health, safety and environmental associations and societies standards for all participating BOCES school districts; Develops and/or coordinates model plans for required health and safety, emergency and other plans; Develops and coordinates workshops and training to keep districts current with changes in laws and regulations; Acts as a liaison between districts and Federal/State agencies responsible for health and safety laws and regulations; Acts as the NYSED Emergency Management Contact Person and participates as “School Liaison” when the Orange County Emergency Operations Center is activated; Provides "train the trainer" programs for selected school employees around toxic substance law and other health and safety issues; Conducts or supervises environmental investigations and inspections, including air, water and soil samplings, on both a scheduled and emergency basis; Performs or supervises inspections of school district buildings to assess compliance with applicable NYSED Commissioner’s regulations and NYS Fire and Building Codes and the risks of occupational exposure to asbestos, lead, PCBs, mold, radon and other environmental hazards; Develops and monitors budget and service costs for the health and safety program; Develops and maintains an appropriate evaluation process for services provided; Assists participating school districts with collecting data about condition of life saving equipment on school premises and notifications from manufacturers and other agencies and societies on properly maintaining life saving devises and supervises upgrade to properly maintain those life savings devices and in collecting all pertinent health hazard information concerning toxic substances and hazardous conditions in and around schools; Assists participating school districts to establish record keeping systems regarding inventories, training and health hazard information; Attends mandatory and other trainings, workshops and seminars pertaining to health and safety issues as needed.

This is a Provisional Position. There will be an exam at a later date.

The work involves responsibility for  translating spoken material into sign language for deaf and hard of hearing students. This  position also involves responsibility for interpreting comments of deaf and hard of hearing  students for teachers, aides and peers. An employee in this class works closely with deaf and  hard of hearing students in a classroom setting. The incumbent works under the general  supervision of an administrative superior. Does related work as required.  

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  

Provides interpreting and/or transliterating utilizing American Sign Language and English for  deaf and hard of hearing students;  

Interprets comments of deaf and hard of hearing students for teachers, aides and peers;  

Accompanies and supervises deaf and hard of hearing students in other school activities such  as assembly programs, field trips, playgrounds, cafeteria, etc.;  

May assist with arrangements and preparations for science demonstrations, music and art  classes, audio-visual presentations, etc.;  

May proctor and assist in the administration of various tests;  

May assist teacher by performing a variety of duties related to teaching activities, such as  photocopying, filing and distributing information, preparing teaching aids, keeping classroom  records and attendance, etc.;  

May assist in crisis intervention and assist in classroom management as directed by the  teacher;  

May assist children with disabilities to maintain a normal school routine, including, but not  limited to, bus arrivals and departures, cafeteria help, toileting, emergency exit during  evacuation drills, lifting, carrying when needed;  

May arrange and assist with parent conferences under direction of teacher; May relieve classroom teachers for emergencies and meetings as needed. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school  equivalency diploma.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Proficiency in American Sign Language as determined by review  and approval of the appointing authority.  

Effective July 7, 2025 – August 15, 2025

Works with small groups of children reviewing repetitive classwork; Corrects papers and records grades under direction of a teacher; Accompanies and supervises students in other school activities such as assembly programs, field trips, playgrounds, cafeteria, etc.; Assists with arrangements and preparations for science demonstrations, music and art classes, audiovisual presentations, etc.; Proctors and assists in the administration of various tests; Performs a variety of clerical work related to teaching activities, such as typing, copying, filing and distributing information, preparing teaching aids, keeping classroom records and attendance, etc.; May assist in crisis intervention and assist in classroom management as directed by the teacher; May assist children with disabilities to maintain a normal school routine, including, but not limited to, bus arrivals and departures, cafeteria help, toileting, emergency exit during evacuation drills, lifting, carrying when needed; May arrange parent conferences under direction of teacher; May relieve classroom teachers for emergencies and meetings as needed; May perform food service, school monitor or custodial/cleaner duties on a substitute basis. Working knowledge of classroom routine; ability to establish and maintain good relationships with students, teachers, and others within the school; ability to understand and follow oral and written communications; ability to maintain discipline; clerical aptitude; resourcefulness; tact; courtesy; good judgment; neat personal appearance; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

JURISDICTIONAL CLASSIFICATION: Non-competitive

Position Dates: July 7, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Evaluates the degree of the child’s functional ability and preforms screenings for students in need of services; Writes and maintains daily lesson and treatment plans which indicate goals and objectives for each child and confers with the classroom teacher as to which goals will be met in the classroom and which will be met in Occupational Therapy pursuant to their 504 plan or IEP; Schedules students both individually and in small groups for occupational therapy services; Records all evaluations, re-evaluations, intervention plans, progress notes, consultations and discharge summaries; Keeps a daily record of all plans, goals and services for each child as a basis for documentation in accordance with procedures set forth by the IDEA and Medicaid; Establishes programs for classroom aides to follow as part of the daily visual-perceptual-motor training groups; Performs occupational therapy intervention upon the written prescription or referral, utilizing various therapeutic activities which may be manual, industrial, recreational or educational design and/or adapted to help the client achieve their maximum potential; Fabricates, modifies, and applies assistive devices using varied media to achieve maximum independence; Trains child, teachers, or family members in the use of adaptive assistive devices and/or self-help techniques; Establishes plans and schedules for enhancing communication with parents, staff and agencies and individuals involved in the interest of the child including parent conferences, team meetings, in-service training, etc.; May supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants, Aides and clerical employees assigned to the department; Establishes goals and objectives for him/herself in relation to teaching, professional growth and inter-staff relations.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of occupational therapy as applied to children; good knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in occupational therapy; working knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement the occupational therapy program; ability to comprehend, teach, and execute occupational therapy programs to students, family members and faculty; ability to work well with other team members; ability to write and speak effectively; ability to document findings and maintain accurate case records; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to get along well with others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

JURISDICTIONAL CLASSIFICATION: Competitive

Position Dates: July 7, 2025 - August 15, 2025

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a professional position involving responsibility for evaluating, planning, and providing physical therapy treatment for students in accordance with a Physician's written referral. Work is performed in accordance with approved professional standards under the general supervision of an Administrator responsible for Pupil Services or Special Education with considerable leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment. Supervision may be exercised over the work of Physical Therapy Assistants, Aides, and clerical employees assigned to the department. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Evaluates the degree of function and disability of students unless contradicted by the professional judgment of a doctor's admission notes; Performs physical therapy procedures upon the written referral of a licensed physician; Participates with other personnel in the formulation of students' total care plans; May participate in the selection of personnel in the physical therapy service, assigns their duties and provides supervision; Develops or assists in the development of physical therapy policies and procedures; Confers periodically with a supervising Physical Therapist and physicians regarding all facets of student care and related activities and provides consultative services to staff; Assists in the development of and instructs and participates in the facility in-service education program; Provides supplementary physical activities that complement physical therapy received in allied agencies; Records all physical therapy evaluation, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultation and discharge summaries on students' records; Maintains program records and statistical reports of the frequency and types of treatment and number of students treated; Establishes cooperative liaison with C.P. Center, AHRC, local physicians and other appropriate service providers. 

Full performance knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics: Good knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of physical therapy; good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in physical therapy; good knowledge of pathological conditions and socioeconomic factors affecting a student's disabilities; working knowledge of community resources applicable to physical therapy; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to get along well with others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Position Dates: July 7, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Assists the School Physician with visual and auditory screening examinations of students and employees; Administers first aid and emergency treatment to students and employees and may provide one-on-one student nursing care; Prepares and maintains health records for school authorities; Assists at school immunization clinics; Arranges to transport sick or injured students or employees to hospital, home, doctor or dentist office in cases of emergency; Inspects the school plant, playground and cafeteria and reports on general safety and sanitary conditions; Orders, inventories and oversees the storage of first aid and related health supplies and equipment; Consults with attendance teachers, staff members and teachers concerning a variety of health factors related to non-attendance and communicable disease; Prepares records and reports as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical practices and skill in their application; working knowledge of materia-medica, dietetics, sanitation and personal hygiene; skill in the application of nursing techniques and practices; ability to understand and follow technical, oral and written instructions; ability to keep records and make reports; ability to get along well with students, teachers, parents and others; ability to carry out successfully the measures prescribed; ability to plan and supervise the work of sub-professional and non-technical personnel; good observation; mental alertness; firmness; initiative; cheerfulness; patience; emotional stability; sympathetic attitude toward the sick; good moral character; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

JURISDICTIONAL CLASSIFICATION: Non-competitive among School Districts and BOCES.

Position Dates: July 7, 2025 - August 15, 2025

This is a skilled paraprofessional position involving responsibility for assisting a Physical Therapist with the treatment and prevention of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disabilities by the application of direct physical therapy procedures. The Assistant applies physical therapy treatments or assists in the application of treatments to handicapped students in a special program of physical activities. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a qualified Physical Therapist who evaluates the student, develops the treatment plan and designates specific responsibility to the Assistant. A Physical Therapist is readily available at all times for direction and assistance. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Applies heat, cold, electricity, light, water treatments, massage, therapeutic exercise, training in phases of ambulation and other activities according to the Physical Therapist's direction; Observes, records, and reports student's reactions to treatments and programs; Prepares, sets up and maintains physical therapy areas and equipment; Provides for and observes safety precautions during all phases of treatment; Confers periodically with the Physical Therapist regarding all facets of student care and related activities; Assists the Physical Therapist in providing consultative services; Participates with other personnel in the formulation of the students total health care plans when appropriate; Inventories, cleans, stores and otherwise maintains supplies and equipment; Performs record keeping functions related to maintenance and execution of the physical therapy program.

Position Dates: July 7, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Carries out occupational therapy procedures by working with students individually or in groups to provide treatment of an illness or disability and training in the activities of daily living; Confers periodically with an Occupational Therapist regarding all facets of patient care and related activities; May fabricate and apply splints and assisting devices, trains students in self-care activities, and uses varied media to improve their physical or mental functioning; Prepares and sets up occupational therapy treatment apparatus; Participates with other facility personnel in the formulation of students’ total health care plans; May supervise Occupational Therapy Aides as directed by the Occupational Therapist; Prepares and maintains records of treatment; Provides for and observes safety precautions during all phases of therapy; Inventories, cleans, stores and maintains supplies and equipment.

Working knowledge of the principles, techniques and terminology of occupational therapy treatment procedures;
working knowledge of occupational therapy materials and equipment and their appropriate application to a
variety of student disabilities; ability to work effectively with the ill and disabled; ability to plan and
supervise the work of others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
 
Position Dates: July 7, 2025 - August 15, 2025

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a professional nursing position involving responsibility for giving care to students and for performing related nursing services such a pupil health screening and notification of defects and communicable disease control requiring judgment and skills. This position differs from the certified position of School Nurse Teacher in that there is no responsibility for either classroom instruction or guidance involved. The work is performed under the general direction of a School Physician or School Nurse Teacher. Supervision may be exercised over the work of clerical assistants. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Assists the School Physician with visual and auditory screening examinations of students and employees; Administers first aid and emergency treatment to students and employees and may provide one-on-one student nursing care; Prepares and maintains health records for school authorities; Assists at school immunization clinics; Arranges to transport sick or injured students or employees to hospital, home, doctor or dentist office in cases of emergency; Inspects the school plant, playground and cafeteria and reports on general safety and sanitary conditions; Orders, inventories and oversees the storage of first aid and related health supplies and equipment; Consults with attendance teachers, staff members and teachers concerning a variety of health factors related to non-attendance and communicable disease; Prepares records and reports as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical practices and skill in their application; working knowledge of materia-medica, dietetics, sanitation and personal hygiene; skill in the application of nursing techniques and practices; ability to understand and follow technical, oral and written instructions; ability to keep records and make reports; ability to get along well with students, teachers, parents and others; ability to carry out successfully the measures prescribed; ability to plan and supervise the work of sub-professional and non-technical personnel; good observation; mental alertness; firmness; initiative; cheerfulness; patience; emotional stability; sympathetic attitude toward the sick; good moral character; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Effective: July 7, 2025 -  August 15, 2025

Evaluates the degree of the child’s functional ability and preforms screenings for students in need of services; Writes and maintains daily lesson and treatment plans which indicate goals and objectives for each child and confers with the classroom teacher as to which goals will be met in the classroom and which will be met in Occupational Therapy pursuant to their 504 plan or IEP; Schedules students both individually and in small groups for occupational therapy services; Records all evaluations, re-evaluations, intervention plans, progress notes, consultations and discharge summaries; Keeps a daily record of all plans, goals and services for each child as a basis for documentation in accordance with procedures set forth by the IDEA and Medicaid; Establishes programs for classroom aides to follow as part of the daily visual-perceptual-motor training groups; Performs occupational therapy intervention upon the written prescription or referral, utilizing various therapeutic activities which may be manual, industrial, recreational or educational design and/or adapted to help the client achieve their maximum potential; Fabricates, modifies, and applies assistive devices using varied media to achieve maximum independence; Trains child, teachers, or family members in the use of adaptive assistive devices and/or self-help techniques; Establishes plans and schedules for enhancing communication with parents, staff and agencies and individuals involved in the interest of the child including parent conferences, team meetings, in-service training, etc.; May supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants, Aides and clerical employees assigned to the department; Establishes goals and objectives for him/herself in relation to teaching, professional growth and inter-staff relations.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of occupational therapy as applied to children; good knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in occupational therapy; working knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement the occupational therapy program; ability to comprehend, teach, and execute occupational therapy programs to students, family members and faculty; ability to work well with other team members; ability to write and speak effectively; ability to document findings and maintain accurate case records; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to get along well with others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

JURISDICTIONAL CLASSIFICATION: Competitive 

Works with small groups of children reviewing repetitive classwork; Corrects papers and records grades under direction of a teacher; Accompanies and supervises students in other school activities such as assembly programs, field trips, playgrounds, cafeteria, etc.; Assists with arrangements and preparations for science demonstrations, music and art classes, audiovisual presentations, etc.; Proctors and assists in the administration of various tests; Performs a variety of clerical work related to teaching activities, such as typing, copying, filing and distributing information, preparing teaching aids, keeping classroom records and attendance, etc.; May assist in crisis intervention and assist in classroom management as directed by the teacher; May assist children with disabilities to maintain a normal school routine, including, but not limited to, bus arrivals and departures, cafeteria help, toileting, emergency exit during evacuation drills, lifting, carrying when needed; May arrange parent conferences under direction of teacher; May relieve classroom teachers for emergencies and meetings as needed; May perform food service, school monitor or custodial/cleaner duties on a substitute basis.