Special Education Paraprofessional - Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD)

Welcome to Spring Lake Park Schools! We are a vibrant school community serving about 6,200 students from the suburbs of Blaine, Fridley and Spring Lake Park, in the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Our district purpose – "High expectations, high achievement for all. No excuses" – provides our focus to meet the unique and varied needs of each student. We are recognized for our commitment to personalized learning, creating a culture of innovation and creativity through human-centered design thinking.

About the role

This position is a Special Education Paraprofessional at Spring Lake Park High School, helping to support students with Developmental Cognitive Disorders in grades 9-12.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of a Special Education teacher, implement behavior plans customized and personalized for students to reinforce preferred behavior.
• Perform general data collection tasks for the purpose of progress monitoring student success.
• Work with students with emotional/behavioral needs in individual, small group, and large group environments, in both general and special education settings.
• Collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team, while also working independently.
• Provide behavior support to students in collaboration with teachers and school staff.
• Participate in, and provide information for, team meetings related to student success and next actions.

Requirements

• Completed 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits, and/or AA degree in Education, Child Development, Child Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field; or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment and either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. (The ParaPro Assessment is available in the Human Resources Office; contact 763-600-5010 with questions.)
• Ability to pass pre-work physical and PCA training.
• 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.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for working with students, families, community representatives, and school personnel.

Working Conditions

• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Frequent bending and/or twisting.
• Possible need to physically restrain students.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to help individuals with disabilities perform the essential functions listed above.

Pay

$20.75–$24.20/hour. Additional $0.75/hour differential if the employee holds a bachelor’s degree.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance