HKS - Paraprofessional

Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit.  Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

Position: Paraprofessional 

Helen Keller School

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are
Deaf, Blind, Deaf Blind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential. Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a
unique place to work.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our Mission makes AIDB a unique place to work, and we invite you to be a part of the miracles that happen every day.

A Paraprofessional at the Helen Keller School (HKS) is responsible for providing the highest level of front-line care for our students.  Our Paraprofessionals makes effective decisions and solves problems using sound judgement, guided initiative, and teamwork. 

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will possess a love for students with multiple disabilities.  All students at HKS possess a sensory impairment along with at least one other area of disability.  The Helen Keller School is searching for individuals who have a heart for students with more severe special needs and are willing to do whatever is necessary to provide limitless opportunities for our students. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• One (1) year or more of experience working with children with multi-disabilities. 

• Must have one (1) year of experience with children in an educational setting.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Care & Supervision

• Direct Assistance: Work one-on-one with students as needed and assist teachers and staff with individual student(s) as assigned. 

• Specialized Care: Physically assist with the lifting and other needs of assigned wheelchair-bound and/or physically disabled students. 

• Student Monitoring: Cover supervision of students in ISS (In School Suspension) and/or other locations as needed. 

• Event Support: Transport and chaperone student(s) to, from, and while on field trips, other school-sponsored events, and trips. 

• Campus Duties: Perform lunch duty in the office and cafeteria as assigned, both independently and with student(s) as needed. 

• Transportation Supervision: Perform bus duty as needed, which involves supervision of students in the cafeteria, assisting with ensuring students get on the correct bus, and ensuring medicines are distributed to the bus driver/aide. 

• Activity Assistance: Assist with extracurricular activities, especially those assigned to the department, as well as Graduation, Baccalaureate, Awards Programs, and other events as assigned. 

Instruction & Classroom Support

• Instructional Support: Carry out instructional duties under teacher direction with student(s) as needed. 

• Staff Relief: Fill in for teacher(s) when they are out of the classroom as requested, and fill in for the secretary or other department staff when needed. 

Performance & Administration

• Administrative Assistance: Assist teachers and staff with reproducing materials, checking papers, recording grades, filing, typing, delivering, copying, laminating, and performing other office duties as needed, especially when not assigned to direct student care. 

• Communication Skills: Must possess excellent communication skills and maintain professional conduct, tact, and friendliness toward parents and all other non-staff personnel. 

• Team Collaboration: Work cooperatively as a team with other school personnel to best serve the student(s).

• Crisis Management: Address and deal with emergency situations in a calm and logical manner. 

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

• Operational Flexibility: Must be willing to work a flexible schedule. 

• Departmental Placement: Paraprofessionals are assigned to a specific department; however, assignments may be adjusted or reassigned by school administration based on the needs of the school. 

• Physical Stamina: Must be able to lift up to 50lbs., to include pushing, pulling, and bending.

Professional Development

• Meetings & Training: Attend departmental meetings, school-wide meetings, in-services, training sessions, and workshops provided. 

• Sign Language Proficiency: Obtain a sign language proficiency level of survival within the first 12 months and survival plus within the first 24 months of employment according to AIDBs evaluation system.  

• Specialized Training: Complete Foundations in Multi-Disability e-Learning course, Managing Crisis Safely (MCS) and Orientation and Mobility Certification within the first 12 months.

• Policy Adherence: Maintain thorough knowledge of all school rules and emergency procedures, ensuring consistent enforcement of campus policies.

   

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

MANDATORY ANNUAL TRAINING:

• Medication Training

• Behavior Management certification

• CPR – every 2 years

• Blood Borne Pathogens

• Using an AED

• Mandatory Reporting – DHR

• Policy and Procedure Review

• Erin’s Law

• Jason Flatt Act

SALARY:      $15.32 - $17.75                    Scale C1 Rank 27 (High School/GED)

                        $16.13 - $18.82                    Scale C1 Rank 29 (30 semester hours in related field)

                        $17.40 - $20.37                    Scale C1 Rank 32 (60 semester hours in related field)

  187 days

BENEFITS:  Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Available

                        Alabama State TRS Retirement

                        Deferred Compensation Options Available

                        Paid Time Off

                     Onsite Daycare

187 Days

Direct deposit required. 

Deadline: 6/25/26