Elementary Paraprofessional III

About the Employer

2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Weller Elementary School

Job Title

Paraprofessional III

Department

Special Education Services

Pay Grade

H171

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Reports To

Principal

General Purpose

Responsible for providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting individual students in reaching targeted behavior goals and social competencies; assisting in the instruction of individual or small groups of students in a variety of subject areas; and monitoring and reporting student behavior and performance.

Essential Job Functions

Assist Teachers

Assist teachers in specialized and/or general education classroom in adapting, preparing and presenting a variety of instructional materials, activities and assignments, presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts. Assist assigned instructional staff in improving student's learning skills, self-care, and/or social development providing learning concepts and materials.

Communication and Collaboration

Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, etc. receiving and conveying information relative to job functions. Communicate with teachers regarding assigned students' progress, participating in needs assessments and assisting in evaluating progress. Document observations of student performance in academic and school activities providing written records and complying with mandated requirements.

Student Support

Escort students providing direction and ensuring their welfare. Guide students with disabilities in personal interactions, developing interpersonal skills and successful problem-solving strategies.

Record Keeping and Reporting

Maintain manual and electronic instructional files and records providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements. Monitor students' performance, under the direction of assigned classroom teacher, providing feedback to students, teachers and/or others involved in the provision of services in accordance with IEPs as appropriate.

Safety and Health

Report health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel, and/or appropriate agencies maintaining students' personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.

General Support

Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

Minimum of 60 college hours completed or certificate of completion from a DESE approved substitute training program.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

Must obtain and maintain Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate. Must obtain and maintain physical intervention training. CPR and First Aid certification preferred. Must pass a criminal background clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the district, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required Knowledge

Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities; Instructional materials and techniques used in special education; Safe practices in classroom and other activities; Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; Reading and writing communication skills; Record keeping techniques.

Required Skills

Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; Preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Required Abilities

Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups. Ability to adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; work under time constraints; and communicate with diverse groups.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.

Physical Demands

The work is medium work that requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
* Must possess the physical ability to perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
* Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity and walking.