Parapro (SPED) Self-Contained

About the role

This position supports students with significant disabilities in a self-contained special education setting. The Paraprofessional (Special Education) helps students develop daily living, motor, and behavioral skills, provides one-on-one support—including for medically fragile students—and assists teachers in implementing IEPs, collecting data, and documenting for Medicaid funding. The role requires patience, a calm demeanor in high-stress situations, and close collaboration with school staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist and supervise students in general education classes and support implementation of IEPs under teacher direction
• Work with students who have significant behavioral, academic, or healthcare needs, including feeding, toileting, mobility, and lifting up to 30 pounds
• Provide one-on-one or small-group instruction aligned to IEP goals and developmental stages
• Implement classroom management techniques, behavior interventions, and age-appropriate activities
• Collect and document student data on behaviors, academics, and self-care to support Medicaid funding
• Perform clerical tasks (copying, grading, record-keeping) to assist the teacher and administrator
• Support safe student transportation to/from buses and supervise playground and physical education activities
• Administer assessments under teacher supervision and report incidents (e.g., fights, suspected abuse) per district policy
• Administer first aid/CPR as needed and maintain safety practices
• Attend meetings, training, and workshops; participate in team collaboration and adapt to changing priorities
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the work unit

Requirements

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent
• Meet ESSA “Highly Qualified” criteria via one of the following:
  • At least two years at an accredited higher education institution (minimum 48 semester hours), or
  • Associate degree or higher from an accredited higher education institution, or
  • Rigorous state/local assessment (Parapro Assessment/PRAXIS ETS) with a score of 460 or higher
• Fingerprinting and successful criminal background check
• CPR & First Aid certification within two months of hire
• Completion of Safety Care Training
• Attend Annual Health Services Training
• Effective communication in English (speaking, reading, writing, understanding), including grammar and punctuation
• Basic math proficiency (fractions, percentages, ratios)
• Proficiency using standard office equipment and Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in K–12 special education or public employment
• Spanish or other language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, understanding)

Multiple vacancies are available across the district.