Hello,
As I write this, I am filled with frustration and confusion, so please look over any grammatical errors.
I am a part time paraprofessional (ABS unit) in Utah. I am also young and relatively inexperienced in the education system. (2 years)
Recently, we received a new student, a senior, who has a history of violence, and beat up a teacher at a previous high school. He is 6 feet tall and muscular.
We have been keeping track of any remarks he may make or actions he has done.
He has become fixated on one of my coworkers, even grabbing her arm once, and she has become quite anxious being around him.
Being a young male, they have asked me to come in every morning from 7, until the end of the day. To keep her safe if anything were to happen. I have no problem with this, and have been wanting full time for awhile.
However, this is where things have begun to get tricky. The district is telling me that my position is NOT full time. I am getting 35 hours a week. They are telling me that it is only temporary until the end of the school year, and therefore will not offer benefits.
Is this legal? Am I being dramatic? For 4 months I can go without benefits? Is there anything I could do to try and get some form of benefits? My main concern is a lack of sick days. I contracted covid from a student in November and consequently missed out on a huge chunk of pay.
I appreciate any help or advice.
Thank you