SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA EDUCATOR - 7 HRS (4 OPENINGS)

Internal applicants: open 06/08/2026 through 06/12/2026 at 4 PM. External applicants: open until filled if no internal applicants are selected.

Pay

New hires: $14.93/hr. (entry level rate). Current employees in the bargaining unit: refer to the salary schedule established by the applicable bargaining group. This position qualifies for the $4.00 Special Education Differential pay outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement between DCSD and the Davenport Association of Para Educators.

Responsibilities

• Provide research-based social skills instruction and intervention under the supervision of a certified teacher.
• Attend additional required evening trainings or meetings during the school year or summer.
• Accept and implement feedback from specialists and special education facilitators regarding instruction.
• Follow directives of classroom teacher, building administration, and district administration.
• Work with students who exhibit physical and verbal aggression, including those with learning, behavior, physical, and/or cognitive disabilities (mild, moderate, or severe), such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Provide services for special education students in both special and general education settings, including academic assistance, behavior interventions, and instruction of social and daily living skills.
• Attend field trips with students as necessary.
• Maintain regular attendance to meet IEP services and ensure the provision of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education).
• Analyze situations and respond appropriately; interact effectively with all students.
• Assist in various settings such as classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, and during field trips.
• Supervise students during transportation to/from the bus, in classrooms, at meals, in the building, and at work sites.
• Work individually or with small groups of students as assigned by the special education teacher or principal.
• Assist students with restroom needs, including toileting, diapering, and hygiene care.
• Accompany and assist students in physical education and general education classes as directed by the IEP.
• Manage the environment to protect students and implement multiple behavior plans simultaneously, adjusting as directed.
• Initiate activities with students as needed and remain flexible with changing duties.
• Demonstrate patience, dependability, and responsibility; nurture students effectively.
• Navigate the City Bus System (with training) and accompany students to community and building work sites for instruction, supervision, and behavior modification.
• Collect and graph accurate data as guided by the teacher.
• Complete necessary paperwork accurately and timely.
• Support Davenport’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for behavior and academics.
• Pass a Medicaid Fraud background check (required for all employees working with special education students).
• Physically restrain students if trained and as directed by building principals.
• Adapt to daily changes in assignments to meet the needs of individual or groups of special education students.
• Remain calm and respectful when students are in crisis; engage in collaborative team planning.
• Perform duties that may include lifting, toileting, hygiene care, extended standing/sitting, or riding the bus with students.
• Participate in and direct extensive physical activities; model a positive attitude and teamwork.
• Maintain confidentiality and accept direction from special education teachers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, speak, hear, see, and walk to carry out routine duties.
• Occasionally lift, move, or push items up to 50 lbs, such as assisting children or moving furniture.
• Supervise students in all weather conditions and meet multiple demands from several people.
• Implement Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies, including physical restraint and escorting.

Work Environment

• Noise level ranges from quiet to loud.
• Work may be indoors and/or outdoors, including non-air-conditioned rooms.
• Tobacco and alcohol-free environment.
• Fast-paced atmosphere with constant contact with students, staff, or the public.
• Direct responsibility for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.

Qualifications

• Ability to work with students who have significant academic, behavior, and social skills difficulties.
• Genuine care and concern for all students, with a willingness to help them succeed.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directives of certified staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students.
• Ability to climb stairs, walk long distances in the building and community, and navigate the City Bus System (with training).
• Flexibility in day-to-day scheduling and willingness to support Davenport’s MTSS for behavior and academics.