Paraprofessional is a title given to individuals in various occupational fields, such as education, librarianship, healthcare, engineering, and law. Historically, paraprofessionals assisted the master professional of their field. In more recent times, paraprofessionals have become a professional in their own right, providing services which meet the needs of a particular recipient or community.
Definition
The Greekprefix "para-" indicates beside or side by side (as in "parallel"); hence, a paraprofessional is one who works alongside a professional, while being a professional themselves.[1]
Examples
Paramedics in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa who autonomously practice paramedicine. Paramedics historically practised under the medical direction of physicians in these jurisdictions. With a lack of qualified physicians to practice in the field, paramedics themselves became responsible for emergency medical services in the pre-hospital setting. Paramedics, although now distinct provider, continue to rely on the research of emergency medicine which informs and contributes to their own unique practice.
Paralegals in the Province of Ontario who are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada to provide independent legal services to clients and the court. Paralegals, although now distinct providers, continue to rely on the research of law which informs and contributes to their own unique practice.
Practice
The paraprofessional is able to perform tasks requiring significant knowledge in the field, and may even function independently of direct professional supervision. It is generally understood that paraprofessionals are the next most qualified professional after the master professional in their field. For example, physicians are allowed more independence than physician assistants; however physician assistants are more qualified than paramedics. Lawyers are allowed more independence than paralegals; however paralegals are more qualified than other legal professionals.
Education
Some paraprofessional occupations require extensive education, testing and certification, especially in the areas of law and health. Others paraprofessionals require only a certain level of education or acquire education outside the professional norm, such as in librarianship.[2] In some occupations, such as that of a paraeducator or paralibrarian, requirements for education and certification differ geographically.
Historical role
Paraprofessionals were historically needed in the 1980s to assist during a shortage of professionally trained social welfare personnel. This aided in the widespread employment of the profession.[3] Paraprofessionals have been proven to aid in crisis intervention at hospitals. Being able to assist more patients in a timely manner has beneficial long-term effects on those in need of personal support.[4] In the 1970s, New York utilized paraprofessionals in community mental health communities providing contributions deemed essential by professionals.[5] Paraprofessionals are often used in times of need on the front lines of social welfare; some have limited or no training for their jobs, which raises the question of whether they are interim or needed long-term.[6] Paraprofessionals are mainly employed in; teaching, social work, and counseling.[7] The variety of tasks performed by a paraprofessional can be broad, ranging from routine maintenance to surgical performances exampling the beneficial impact the profession can have on vast areas.[8] Paraprofessionals are usually limited in schools, working in resource management, but when given the opportunity they can help students greatly through monitoring and tutoring.[9] Despite being promoted in fields, paraprofessionals show their low-status function and occupy "the lowest level in the professional caste system" because of their informal training.[10] Paraprofessionals often problems with confusion in directions, relational power dynamics, and monetary satisfaction.[11] Even after being hired, it is important that a paraprofessional continue their education as they need further practice.[12]
See also
Paraeducator – Teaching-related position within a schoolPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets
Paralegal – Paraprofessional who assists qualified lawyers in their legal work
Paramedic – Healthcare professional who works in emergency medical situations
^Brawley, E. A., & Schindler, R. (1986). Paraprofessional social welfare personnel in international perspective: results of a worldwide survey. International Social Work, 29(2), 165–176.
^Getz, W. L., Fujita, B. N., & Allen, D. (1975). The use of paraprofessionals in crisis intervention. American Journal of Community Psychology, 3(2), 135-144.
^Gottesfeld, H., Rhee, C. & Parker, G. A study of the role of paraprofessionals in community mental health. Community Ment Health J 6, 285–291 (1970).
^Healy, L.M. (1988). Book Reviews : Schindler, Ruben and Edward Allan Brawley (1987) Social Care at the Front Lines: a Worldwide Study of Paraprofessionals. London: Tavistock Publications. 297 pp. £25.00. International Social Work, 31, 157 - 159.
^Matheny, K.B., & Oslin, Y.D. (1970). Utilization of Paraprofessionals in Education and the Helping Professions. A Review of the Literature.
^Moore, B. (1996). Employing a paraprofessional in practice. In Practice, 18(7), 341-342.
^Konza, D.M., & Fried, L. (2012). Maximising the contribution of paraprofessionals in schools: A win-win-win story. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences: Annual Review, 6, 115-124.
^Bayes, M., & Neill, T.K. (1978). Problems for paraprofessionals in mental health services. Administration in mental health, 6, 133-146.
^Brown, T.S., & Stanton-Chapman, T.L. (2017). Experiences of paraprofessionals in US preschool special education and general education classrooms. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 17, 18-30.
^Tucker, R.C., & Tucker, L.M. (2007). The role of paraprofessionals: An administrative dilemma. Administration in mental health, 3, 114-124.
