In-School Intervention/Suspension Paraprofessional (full-time)

Full-time In-School Intervention/In-School Suspension Paraprofessional position at Mansfield Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year.

About the role

Assist the teacher in working with individual and small groups of students to achieve learning objectives as devised by the teacher, provide for the physical and/or medically related needs of the students, and, as directed, perform a wide variety of tasks following standard practices and procedures while complying with administrative requirements.

Qualifications

• Meet State of Ohio Paraprofessional Standards: two years of education at an institution of higher learning OR an Associate Degree (or higher) OR demonstration through a formal state or local assessment of knowledge and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Possess or be able to secure a valid Ohio Education Aide permit from the Ohio Department of Education.
• Willingness to attend a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of job-related in-service training each school year.
• Knowledge and understanding of the special needs condition(s) of student(s), as relayed by the teacher.
• Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods; bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift 25 pounds independently, and up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Possess fine motor skills to assist with cutting, pasting, arranging materials, or using manipulatives.
• Demonstrated experience in a position requiring independent judgment and discretion.
• Experience functioning in a team environment toward a common goal.
• Skills or willingness to learn to meet the physical needs of students, including toileting assistance.
• Willingness to assist students in the cafeteria with food selection, consumption, and clean-up.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions to assist students with disabilities, including embarking or debarking the building or transportation vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Constantly monitor students by remaining in the ISI room at all times; only admit students assigned via referral.
• Assist students in performing teacher-determined activities, working with individuals or small groups to reinforce learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assist with student assessment, observe learning difficulties, and report to the teacher.
• Support development of receptive and expressive language; learn sign language for selected hearing-impaired or non-verbal students.
• Assist the teacher in charting behavior and implementing behavior management strategies.
• Document student learning and performance through record-keeping procedures.
• Assist with cutting, pasting, and classroom preparations to reinforce instructional materials based on individual student needs.
• Observe students and notify the teacher if adaptive positioning equipment is required.
• Encourage and reinforce positive behavior.
• Accompany and assist students in art, music, playtime, recess, and when the teacher is absent.
• Construct, copy, distribute, and use educational materials as needed; prepare art materials and assist in projects.
• Learn to use visual-aid equipment for sight-impaired students; operate media and computer equipment as needed.
• Provide orientation and extra help to substitute teachers in the teacher’s absence.
• Assist with collaboration among all students in the building.
• Advise substitute teachers or proper authority regarding medication administration.
• Accompany and assist students to and from classrooms, library, office, gymnasium, or lunchroom.
• Accompany students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Promote student independence and orientation mobility within the school building and grounds.
• Promote self-care in all areas, including bathroom, lunchroom, gymnasium, and outdoors.
• Assist students with mobility needs (e.g., lock braces, crutches, wheelchairs).
• Follow all safety rules and procedures for assisting students with disabilities or special needs.
• Participate in in-service training programs as assigned or required.
• Abide by Mansfield City Board of Education policies and regulations.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education, Building Principal, or other administrator.

Skills

• Ability to follow written or oral instructions.
• Basic arithmetic skills to assist students.
• Proficiency in personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish supportive and compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisors as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Extensive sitting for prolonged periods each day.
• Stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting supplies or students (up to 25 pounds independently or 50 pounds with assistance).