2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Affective Needs-Kruse Elementary School

About the role

This position is for the 2026-27 school year in the Affective Needs program at Kruse Elementary School. Special Education/Integrated Services.

Responsibilities

• Assist the general classroom or special education teacher by implementing instruction, reteaching concepts, and reinforcing learning skills for students with significant support needs.
• Adapt instructional materials to meet individual learning goals.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies, de-escalate crises, and support students in managing emotional dysregulation.
• Respond to aggressive behaviors, self-harm risks, and other escalations with appropriate interventions to ensure student and staff safety.
• Maintain detailed records on student behavior, interventions, and academic progress.
• Collect and input Medicaid and other required data, track individualized student goals, and assist with documentation for IEP meetings.
• Work closely with teachers, mental health providers, case managers, and other staff to implement behavior intervention plans, IEP goals, and crisis response strategies.
• Participate in problem-solving meetings and adjust support based on student needs.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills.
• Encourage self-advocacy and facilitate structured learning opportunities to promote independence.
• Attend specialized training, including de-escalation techniques (e.g., CPI), behavior management, and medical delegation training.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities to enhance job skills.
• Adjust quickly to student needs and situations, managing unpredictable behavior escalations, and responding to safety concerns.
• Work with students across multiple settings, including general education, special education, and community-based instruction.
• May cover schedules for paras pulled away for an urgent student situation.
• Support school-wide safety protocols, participate in emergency response situations, and take on other responsibilities as required to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of related experience
• Experience working with special needs students preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
• Criminal background check required for hire
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) required within 3 months of hire
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years of hire)

Qualifications

None specified

Skills

• Ability to work independently with students with significant disabilities
• Knowledge of assistive technology, augmentative communication devices, and alternative language techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage unpredictable behavior escalations and respond to safety concerns
• Proficiency in maintaining detailed records and tracking student progress
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, mental health providers, and other staff

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• PERA retirement
• Paid time off
• Short and long term disability
• Access to employee walk-in clinic
• Other optional benefit elections

Pay

$20.26-$22.69/hr, based on qualifications and experience

Schedule

Hours/day: 6.5
Work calendar days: 186
Duration of position: Ongoing