Special Education Para Professional

About the Employer

Job Title and Reports

Job Title: Special Education Paraeducator Starting Pay: $16.25/hour Reports to: Building Principal and Special Education Director

Status

Status: Hourly FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: June, 2026

Basic Function

Basic Function: Under the direction of a certified staff member, may assist students by helping individuals or small groups of students with academic support, implementing instruction, reinforcing learning skills, reinforcing school-wide discipline procedures, movement to & from classes, bus, etc., and personal health & hygiene.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Assist teachers with educational activities, including:- Assists in preparing materials for instruction by setting up and using computers, and audiovisual equipment and materials.- Assists in organizing and utilizing reference and source materials.- Assessing student work.- Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' individual education plans.- Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.- Supervise students in the lunchroom, recess, classrooms, halls, bus loading/unloading, and in those areas as requested.- Makes quick, responsible decisions regarding student welfare and safety, including counseling students regarding conduct and self-discipline.- Assist students with work completion.- Completes Medicaid documentation as required.- Reports incidents of unusual nature to teachers and principal.- Maintains confidentiality of student information.- Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed.- Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed.- Attends in-service training and school meetings as appropriate.- Other duties as assigned.

Education and Related Work Experience

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Must be 18 years of age
• Experience working with school-age children in the education setting preferred
• Knowledge or ability to be trained to meet the responsibilities of the job.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Para-Educator Certification preferred

Technical Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Basic problem-solving skills
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to operate typical office equipment, such as telephones, computers, copier, fax machines, e-mail, etc.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to engage students with special needs
• Ability to learn information presented to students in classes such that they can support the student’s participation in the curriculum presented.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changes without notice.
• Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations.
• Ability to establish a positive relationship with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to appropriate supervisor/administrator.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Works in standard office and school building environments. Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities. Physical requirements:- Regularly required to use hands to manipulate or feel for objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear.- Must be able to move throughout the school and classroom which would involve standing, walking, kneeling, bending, etc.- Must be capable of lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.- Must be capable of squatting up to 2 minutes at a time.- Must be capable of bending over up to 3 minutes at a time