Special Education Paraprofessional - Transitions Program, Multiple Disabilities

About the District

Spring Lake Park Schools is 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"—guides us in meeting the unique and varied needs of each student. We are recognized for our commitment to personalized learning and creating a culture of innovation through human-centered design thinking.

About the Role

This position is a Special Education Paraprofessional in our Transitions program at the District Services Center, supporting students with multiple disabilities including DCD, ASD, LD, and EBD, ages 18-21.

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 progress monitoring student success.
• Supervise and instruct students with various special needs as a job coach in the community by:
  • Identifying tasks related to a particular job.
  • Modeling these tasks.
  • Coaching and instructing.
• Possess the ability and passion to work with students with emotional/behavioral issues.
• Take initiative in responding flexibly to students' needs in a manner that is accepting and comfortable.
• 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 maintaining the ability to work independently.
• Create opportunities for students to complete tasks independently, when appropriate.
• Maintain student confidentiality.
• 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

• 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 for 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.

Preferences: Knowledge of or prior experience with learning and behavior management techniques.

Working Conditions

• Physical demands include the ability to lift 40 pounds, frequent bending and/or twisting, and possibly physically restraining students.

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

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 long-term disability insurance