Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Educational Supports and Intervention Supervisor, the paraeducator position works to provide instructional and behavioral support to students with diverse learning needs in a general education or special education setting. This position requires a dedicated individual who can assist students in accessing the general curriculum while implementing specialized instruction and accommodations according to students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) across middle and high school environments.

Qualifications Required:

High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in education preferred
Demonstrated competency level (Work keys test or ETS Paraprofessional Assessment) for meeting highly qualified status and /or an associate degree or 60 college credits
Experience working with children, particularly those with disabilities
Physical capability to assist students with mobility needs when required (ability to lift up to 50 pounds)

Desired Skills:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with students, staff, families, and community partners
Patience, flexibility, and positive attitude when working with challenging behaviors and diverse learning styles
Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse student backgrounds, experiences, and needs
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building supportive relationships with adolescent students
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for accurate data collection, documentation, and implementation of IEPs
Capacity to work effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
Ability to adapt support strategies based on individual student needs and learning profiles
Initiative to problem-solve independently while knowing when to seek guidance
Discretion and good judgment in handling confidential information and sensitive situations
Emotional resilience and ability to remain calm in stressful situations while modeling appropriate coping strategies
Willingness to engage in ongoing professional growth and implement research-based practices
Ability to receive feedback constructively and implement suggested changes
Basic understanding of assistive technology and willingness to learn new digital tools
Flexibility to adjust to schedule changes and diverse classroom environments throughout the school day

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide one-on-one and small group instructional support to students with diverse learning needs in both general education and special education settings
Implement behavior intervention plans with fidelity and collect data on student progress using district-approved methods and technology
Assist students with executive functioning skills including organization, note-taking, assignment completion, test preparation, and time management
Support students with personal care needs as appropriate while maintaining student dignity (e.g., mobility assistance, feeding, toileting)
Help maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment conducive to student success for all learners
Collect and record data on student performance and behavior for progress monitoring and IEP goal tracking
Collaborate in the adaptation of instructional materials to meet individual student needs
Provide supervision during transitions, lunch periods, community-based instruction, and other non-instructional times
Support students in developing appropriate social skills, self-advocacy, and peer relationships
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student information and records in accordance with FERPA regulations
Participate in professional development and team meetings as required
Assist with crisis intervention and de-escalation following proper protocols, including implementation of trauma-informed practices
Partner with general education teachers to support inclusive practices and universal design for learning principles
Facilitate communication between special education and general education staff regarding student accommodations and modifications
Assist in implementing assistive technology solutions for students with diverse learning needs
Support transition activities for students preparing for post-secondary environments
Perform other duties as assigned by the Educational Supports and Intervention Supervisor

Hours and Schedule:

Full-time position following the school calendar (approximately 180 instructional days)
Regular school hours with occasional staff meetings and professional development sessions
Position may include district-provided training days prior to the start of the school year

7-12 Special Education Paraeducator