PHS Library Assistant/Paraeducator

Library Assistant � Paraeducator

Position Purpose

The primary role of the Library Assistant Paraeducator is to support the library media program by managing the daily operations of the library media center while fostering a welcoming, organized, and engaging learning environment that promotes literacy, inquiry, and student success. Working collaboratively with the library media specialist, classroom teachers, and other staff, this position provides library services, instructional support, technology assistance, and promotes a culture of reading and lifelong learning.

Although this position is assigned to the library media center, the assignments of a paraeducator are not defined by a particular setting or program, but rather by students' needs as determined by the multidisciplinary team. While every attempt will be made to maintain assignments throughout the school year, it may be necessary to change a paraeducator's assignment (e.g., classroom support or behavior intervention) to meet the varying needs of students across the district.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

The Library Assistant Paraeducator works collaboratively with the library media specialist, classroom teachers, and other staff to support instruction, literacy initiatives, and student success.

Paraeducators are expected to attend all training sessions offered by the Portsmouth School Department that are specifically designed for them during scheduled work hours.

Library Responsibilities

The Library Assistant Paraeducator supports the daily operation of the library media center by:

• Providing friendly, professional, and welcoming service to students, staff, and visitors while fostering an inclusive library environment where all students feel respected, supported, and encouraged to use library resources.
• Managing daily library circulation functions, including checking materials in and out, processing holds, maintaining patron accounts, and utilizing the automated library management system.
• Assisting students and staff in locating print and digital resources, providing readers' advisory services and book recommendations, and supporting research and information literacy.
• Promoting literacy through creative book displays, themed exhibits, reading promotions, library programming, book fairs, reading incentive programs, and other activities that encourage independent reading.
• Maintaining the organization, appearance, and accessibility of the library collection through shelving, shelf reading, shifting materials, inventory, collection maintenance, and minor repair of library materials.
• Processing new library materials, including catalog preparation, labeling, covering, and preparing materials for circulation.
• Assisting with collection development, inventory, and purchasing activities as directed by the library media specialist.
• Providing basic technology support to students and staff, including troubleshooting printers, Chromebooks, library equipment, digital resources, and educational software.
• Learning and effectively utilizing library management systems, Google Workspace, web-based applications, and other instructional technologies.
• Assisting with maintaining library webpages, digital resources, displays, and promotional materials.
• Providing instructional support to individual students or small groups through additional practice and re-teaching as developed and directed by the library media specialist, classroom teacher, or related service staff.
• Supervising students using the library while maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment consistent with school expectations.
• Collaborating with the library media specialist on daily operations, special projects, instructional activities, and schoolwide literacy initiatives.

General Paraeducator Responsibilities (as assigned)

In addition to library responsibilities, the Library Assistant Paraeducator may be assigned duties that support students throughout the district, including:

• Monitoring and reinforcing students' academic, behavioral, and life skills using established instructional and behavioral practices.
• Supporting the inclusion of students with disabilities by implementing accommodations identified in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including tutoring, oral test administration, assistive technology, and other instructional supports.
• Monitoring and redirecting student behavior and implementing behavior support plans.
• Assisting teachers in planning and implementing instructional activities, including academic, behavioral, and life skills instruction.
• Documenting student progress and communicating observations regarding student participation, performance, behavior, and assignments to teachers and related service providers.
• Supervising students in classrooms, common areas, school grounds, and during transportation as assigned.
• Assisting and monitoring students on and off school buses as assigned.
• Assisting with lifting and transporting students using appropriate equipment following required training and supervision.
• Intervening appropriately when students demonstrate unsafe or inappropriate behavior.
• Participating willingly in required trainings, professional development, and in-service activities.
• Performing other duties as assigned to support student needs and district operations.

Additional Duties

Assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Pupil Services and Instruction and the Superintendent of Schools.

Educational Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required and preferably:

• Completion of two years of full-time study at an institution of higher education; or
• An associate's degree; or
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, reading, writing, or mathematics through a formal assessment meeting applicable standards.

Experience Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities and behavioral challenges preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, customer service, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with high school students and create a welcoming, student-centered environment.
• Dependable, organized, emotionally mature, and sensitive to the needs of students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude with students, families, and staff.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and collaborate effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to use, learn, and troubleshoot library systems, educational technology, and digital resources.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for promoting books, literacy, and student engagement.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and required training.

Physical and Technical Requirements

This position requires regular physical activity associated with maintaining the library collection and supporting daily operations. The employee must be able to:

• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, stretch, and climb short step stools while shelving and retrieving materials.
• Repeatedly move between standing, kneeling, and sitting positions throughout the workday.
• Perform repetitive hand and finger movements required for shelving, processing materials, adjusting bookends, and operating library equipment.
• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Read book labels, computer screens, and written materials with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Operate computers, printers, library management systems, and other educational technology for extended periods.

Travel Requirements

Travels to school district buildings, city/state agencies, and professional meetings as required.

Work Environment

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Works in school building environments.

FLSA Status:       Exempt

Pay Rate: Follow Negotiated Pay Rate (See Paraeducator's Agreement)