Special Education Paraprofessional

Mission Statement

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Five Keys Overview

Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.

Our Core Competencies

A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

What it’s really like to join our agency…

At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We’ve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.

BENEFITS

We offer very low monthly costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous time off! Various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403(b) are available. We provide annual reimbursements up to $100 towards gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs. Annual athletic event participation and annual massages are reimbursed up to $50. Free wellness-related apps, Employee Assistance Program, and a comprehensive mental health care platform are accessible for you and your dependents.

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Paraprofessional position reports to a credentialed Education Specialist and assists in the direct delivery of instruction in a classroom setting. The employee assists credentialed staff by: implanting lesson plans (activities which include reviewing and correcting the work of students), administering assessments,  keeping relevant records, operating instructional equipment in appropriate instructional settings, as well as performing related duties as required.

We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people.  If this job is for you, you have experience with and an understanding of how educational barriers affect work and training for students in the program. You also have expert-level customer service skills and willingness to go the extra mile to find answers.

This position supports the Five Keys Classified NorCal Central in San Francisco and Alameda counties, as well as multiple sites and counties throughout the Northern California region. The scheduled hours vary between 5:00 am - 8:00 pm; the current schedule is 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Duties focus on implementing the core curriculum for the basic skill areas of math, reading, and writing
• Assist in planning lessons and preparing instructional materials
• Tutor individuals or small groups of students in specific skill and/or content areas
• Conduct planned lessons with assigned groups in the classroom or other assigned educational location(s)
• Assist in explaining subject matter to students
• Administer assessments under the direction of Special Education staff
• Administer tests and examinations, and reviews, corrects, and re-reviews assignments
• Prepare, operate, and maintain instructional equipment and supplies such as audiovisual equipment, computers, and others as needed
• Supports students in post secondary transition planning including hosting events and attending field trips
• Assist in maintaining classroom discipline in order to provide a positive learning environment
• Enforce classroom and school rules
• Assist in behavior management and discipline
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Creation and documentation of related reports and data 
• Advanced proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and databases
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive information

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or the equivalent, AND
• Two years of college  (48 semester units), OR
• An associate’s degree or higher, OR
• A passing score on a district-approved local assessment (the CBEST or Paraprofessional Exam).
• Previous teaching or tutoring experience preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
• Frequent talking and hearing conversations
• Long periods of walking, sitting at a desk and/or computer station
• Lifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs.; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is contingent upon: 

• Satisfactory results of a Live Scan (criminal background investigation)
• Successfully obtaining jail clearance for positions working in county jails or probation locations
• Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• Moderate to high noise level
• Must be willing and able to work in a correctional facility and travel throughout the area to community sites
• Work environment varies from site to site
• Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities
• Up to 80% Travel to Five Keys locations throughout California as needed

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing).