Instructional Assistant-Severe SPED (Paraeducator)=ESP

South Sanpete School District – Gunnison Valley Middle School, Gunnison, Utah

About the Role

The Instructional Assistant – Severe Special Education (Paraeducator) provides support to the instructional program within an assigned classroom under the supervision of a teacher or administrator. This role focuses on assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of students with severe special needs, either in a regular classroom or a self-contained setting. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, and attending IEP and training meetings.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the physical, emotional, and educational needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained setting.
• Provide extensive assistance with the implementation of students' IEPs, including behavior management plans.
• Provide information to the teacher as appropriate in the development of IEPs.
• Adapt lesson plans to meet the needs of individual students under the teacher’s direction.
• Tutor students individually or in groups.
• Track and report academic and behavioral student progress to the classroom teacher.
• Implement Behavioral Intervention Plans with consistency and fidelity.
• Perform specific duties as assigned, which may include:
  • Instructing students in the absence of the teacher.
  • Assisting with toileting needs, including diapering.
  • Feeding students, including G-tube feeding.
  • Supervising students on the playground, field trips, or job sites.
  • Assisting students with technology, including computers, braille notes, communication devices, adaptive devices, and tablets.
  • Supporting students with mobility and adaptive physical equipment.
  • Performing testing and assessment.
  • Administering medications or other medical assistance after training.
  • Assisting students on/off buses.
  • Intervening with and managing students who may be aggressive, self-abusive, or emotional.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, equipment, and other items.
  • Teaching life skills.
  • Traveling to various locations within the district to provide assistance.
• Prepare materials and facilities for classroom instruction (e.g., making copies, data collection, assembling materials).
• Ride a bus with students to or from school, if assigned.
• Maintain effective and positive communication with teachers, students, patrons, volunteers, and district employees.
• Maintain confidentiality of student or district information in accordance with district policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the principal.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent (verification may be required).
• One year of successful work experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Willingness to be trained in de-escalation techniques and emergency safety interventions.
• For assistants in Title I schools: Must be Highly Qualified and provide documentation of this status.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with students, teachers, staff, administrators, and other professionals.
• Ability to solve complex situations related to individual student needs and behaviors.
• Basic computer technology skills and ability to learn school and student-specific programs.
• Knowledge of basic first aid is preferred; ability to learn and assist with complex medical needs.
• Self-motivated and proactive in completing tasks with minimal direction.
• Cleared criminal background check.

Skills

• Mobility: Ability to move around the classroom and school premises frequently; assist students with mobility challenges, including transferring in/out of wheelchairs and using walkers or other devices.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently; assist with lifting and positioning students with physical disabilities.
• Standing and Walking: Ability to stand for extended periods and walk frequently throughout the school day.
• Bending, Kneeling, and Squatting: Ability to bend, kneel, and squat to assist students with tasks at ground level.
• Manual Dexterity: Sufficient hand and finger dexterity to assist students with writing, typing, and fine motor skills; handle instructional materials and adaptive equipment.
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Adequate vision and hearing to supervise students, read instructional materials, observe behavior, and respond to verbal/non-verbal cues.
• Communication: Ability to speak clearly and effectively; understand and interpret verbal and non-verbal cues, especially from students with communication difficulties.

Schedule

Hours worked will either be part of the contract day or paid as additional hours, as determined by the principal. Position starts August 20, 2026.