SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA EDUCATOR - 7 HRS

Internal applicants: open 08/07/2026 through 08/13/2026 at 4 PM. External applicants: open until filled if no internal applicants are selected.

Pay

• New hires: $14.93/hr. (entry level rate)
• Current bargaining-unit employees: refer to the salary schedule established by the applicable bargaining group
• $4.00 Special Education Differential pay for this position, as outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement between DCSD and the Davenport Association of Para Educators
• Wage range: $18.93/hr.

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
• Support students with learning, behavior, physical, and/or cognitive disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Provide services for special education students in both special and general education settings
• Under the direction of a special education teacher, provide academic assistance, behavior interventions, and instruction of social skills and daily living skills
• Attend field trips with students as necessary
• Ensure regular attendance to meet IEP services and provide FAPE (free appropriate public education)
• Analyze situations and respond appropriately
• Interact with all students as needed across various settings (classroom, cafeteria, hallway, etc.)
• Supervise students in the classroom, at meals, in the building, on field trips, and at work sites
• Work individually or with small groups of students as assigned
• Accompany students to and from the bus, restroom, and assist with hygiene needs (e.g., changing clothes, toileting)
• Assist students in physical education and general education classes as directed by the IEP
• Manage the environment and protect students during the school day
• Follow and implement multiple behavior plans simultaneously, including changes as directed
• Initiate activities with students as needed
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments and changing duties as directed
• 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
• Accompany students to community and building work sites, providing instruction, supervision, and behavior modification independently
• Physically restrain students if trained and as needed, based on building principal directives
• Remain calm and respectful when students are in crisis
• Engage in collaborative work and team planning
• Model a positive attitude and team cooperation for students
• Maintain confidentiality
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students
• Ability to nurture, patience, dependability, and acceptance of responsibility for students
• Ability to climb stairs and walk long distances in the building and community
• Ability to navigate the City Bus System (with training)
• Ability to follow specific procedures in teaching new skills as directed by the teacher
• Ability to lift, move, or push items up to 50 lbs (e.g., assisting children or moving furniture)
• Ability to supervise students in all weather conditions and meet multiple demands from several people
• Ability to implement Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies, including physical restraint and escorting
• Ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere with constant contact with students, staff, or the public
• Ability to work in non-air-conditioned rooms and both indoor/outdoor environments
• Ability to sit, stand, speak, hear, see, and walk for extended periods
• Ability to participate in and direct extensive physical activities
• All para educators receiving the Special Education differential pay must sign the vacancy notice, acknowledging willingness to perform listed duties and responsibilities
• Pass a Medicaid Fraud background check prior to hire, successfully bidding, or transferring to a special education position (checked multiple times per year)

Qualifications

• Ability to work with students with significant academic, behavior, and social skills difficulties
• Genuine care and concern for all students and a willingness to help them succeed
• Demonstrated ability to follow directives of certified staff