Paraprofessional - Alternative to Suspension

About the role

Spring Lake Park Schools serves about 6,200 students from the suburbs of Blaine, Fridley and Spring Lake Park in the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The district’s purpose is “High expectations, high achievement for all. No excuses.” The district is recognized for personalized learning, innovation, and human‑centered design thinking. A Paraprofessional at Spring Lake Park High School supports Behavior Specialist teachers and students in grades 7‑12 to create and carry out behavior plans for both Special Education and non‑Special Education students.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of a Behavior Specialist, implement behavior plans customized and personalized for students to reinforce preferred behavior.
• Perform general data collection tasks for progress monitoring of student success.
• Work with students with emotional/behavior issues; ability and passion essential.
• Work comfortably with students in individual, small group, and large group environments, in both general and special education settings.
• Work effectively with an interdisciplinary team while having the ability to work independently.
• Collaborate with school staff to provide behavior support to students in collaboration with teachers.
• Participate in and provide information for team meetings related to student success and next actions.

Qualifications

• Hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Complete 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits and/or an AA degree in Education, Child Development, Child Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, or a related area; OR receive a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment (available in HR after a job offer).
• Have training and experience in the use of computers and other technology equipment.
• Ability to act in a leadership role and independently initiate and follow through on tasks under minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills when working with students, families, community representatives, and school personnel.
• Ability to pass pre‑work physical and PCA testing.

Working Conditions

• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Frequent bending and/or twisting.
• Potential physical restraint of students.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Pay

Rate of pay: $20.75‑$24.20 per hour. Additional $0.75 per hour differential if the employee holds a bachelor’s degree.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Medical, dental, life, and LTD insurance