Educational Assistant - Special Education (multiple positions)

About the role

Nisswa Elementary School is seeking a caring, dependable and collaborative Special Education Paraprofessional to support students in kindergarten through grade five. The paraprofessional works under the ongoing direction of licensed teachers and, when appropriate, licensed school health personnel. The position supports students in accessing instruction, communicating, participating safely in school activities and developing academic, behavioral, social, physical and independent living skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement assigned portions of student IEPs, behavior plans, communication plans, health plans and safety procedures under the direction of licensed staff.
• Support and reinforce instruction, interventions, accommodations and modifications developed by licensed teachers and related service providers.
• Assist students individually and in small groups across special education and general education settings.
• Support student access to classroom instruction, specialist classes, lunch, recess, transportation, assemblies, field trips and other school activities.
• Build positive relationships with students and promote independence, communication, dignity, peer relationships and meaningful participation.
• Learn and consistently support the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices, visual supports and assistive technology.
• Assist students with toileting, diapering, hygiene, dressing, feeding and other personal care needs when assigned.
• Assist with transfers, positioning, mobility, adaptive equipment and emergency evacuation after required training.
• Follow student specific procedures related to communication, health, feeding, mobility, personal care and safety.
• Perform health related procedures only when trained, assigned and supervised by appropriate licensed health personnel.
• Implement positive behavioral supports, regulation strategies and behavior plans under the direction of licensed staff.
• Provide active supervision and respond promptly to student instructional, behavioral, health and safety needs.
• Collect and record student data accurately and communicate relevant observations to licensed staff.
• Assist with arrival, dismissal, bus loading, unloading or transportation responsibilities when assigned.
• Complete required district training in positive behavioral supports, crisis prevention, de-escalation, safe transfers, emergency response and restrictive procedures.
• When trained, assigned and legally authorized, participate in district approved physical interventions or holds only during an emergency when necessary to protect a student or another person from physical injury.
• Maintain student and family confidentiality and follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Work cooperatively with teachers, case managers, related service providers, school health personnel, paraprofessionals, the site administrator and other district staff.
• Accept and apply coaching, feedback and direction from licensed staff and the site administrator.
• Maintain dependable attendance, punctuality, flexibility, professionalism and respectful communication.
• Attend required meetings, orientation, training and professional development.
• Perform other special education related duties consistent with the position and assigned by the proper administrative authority.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet Minnesota Department of Education personnel qualification requirements for special education paraprofessionals through an approved pathway, such as an associate degree or higher, at least 60 college credits, a passing score on an approved paraprofessional assessment or another approved competency pathway accepted by Brainerd Public Schools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students in kindergarten through grade five or students receiving special education services.
• Experience with AAC devices, assistive technology, personal care, safe transfers, positive behavioral supports or student data collection.
• Strong communication, teamwork, flexibility and problem solving skills.
• Current district approved crisis prevention and response certification or willingness to complete required training.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Depending on the assignment, the employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, move between floor and standing positions and assist with student personal care, positioning, mobility, transfers, adaptive equipment and emergency evacuation. The employee may participate in indoor and outdoor activities and may be exposed to bodily fluids while completing assigned personal care responsibilities. Required health, infection control and safety procedures must be followed.

Benefits

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Long Term Disability
• Minnesota Public Employees Retirement
• 403b retirement plan
• Paid Sick/ESST & Personal

Pay

$16.50 – $18.40 per hour (based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Educational Assistants Contract located on district website)

Schedule

7 hours per day, Monday through Friday (173 duty days) for the 2026–2027 school year.