2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Multi Categorical-Centennial High School

This position is for the 2026-27 school year and will be working in the Multi-Categorical program at Centennial High School.

Pay

$20.26–$22.69 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. These pay rates are based on the 2025-26 school year and will be updated when approved during the negotiations process for the 2026-27 school year.

Schedule

• 7.5 hours per day
• 186 work calendar days

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

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.
• Monitor students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions (e.g., lunch, recess, field trips, arrival/dismissal).
• Enforce safety procedures, provide one-on-one supervision when needed, and assist in crisis situations, including physical interventions when required.
• Provide hands-on support with hygiene, toileting, feeding (including spoon and tube feeding), catheterization, lifting, transferring, and mobility assistance.
• Follow individualized health care plans and collaborate with nursing staff for medical needs.
• Independently accommodate students with significant disabilities, including those with communication, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Use assistive technology, augmentative communication devices, and alternative language techniques as needed.
• 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 or 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) certification required within 3 months of hire
• Completion of Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 classes within the first 2 years of hire)