SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA EDUCATOR - 7 HRS

Internal applicants: open 07/29/2026 through 08/04/2026 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, providing varied assistance as required
• Work as a team player to assist in all aspects of the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, etc.
• Accompany students to and from the bus
• 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
• Assist students with restroom needs, including changing clothes and hygiene
• Accompany and assist students in physical education
• Assist students with classroom assignments in 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, adjusting as directed
• Recognize the need for and initiate activities with students
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments and changing duties as directed
• Exhibit personal qualities such as nurturing, patience, dependability, and responsibility
• Climb stairs and walk long distances in the building and community
• Navigate the City Bus System (with training)
• Follow specific procedures for teaching new skills as directed by the teacher
• Accompany students to community and building work sites, providing instruction, supervision, and behavior modification independently
• Perform accurate data collection and graphing 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 needed, based on building principal directives
• Adjust assignments daily to meet the needs of individual or groups of special education students
• Remain calm and respectful when students are in crisis
• Engage in collaborative work and contribute to team planning
• Perform duties that may require lifting, toileting, diapering, hygiene care, and restroom supervision
• Stand or sit for extended periods, including riding the bus with students
• Participate in and direct extensive physical activities
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the workday
• Model a positive attitude and team cooperation for students
• Accept direction from special education teachers and 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 work with students who have 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
• Ability to implement Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies, including physical restraint procedures and escorting
• Must sign the vacancy notice for the position, acknowledging willingness to perform listed duties, responsibilities, and expectations (for those receiving the Special Education differential pay)

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/rearranging furniture
• Supervise students in all types of weather and meet multiple demands from several people
• Interact with the public and other staff

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