SpEd Paraprofessional - Autism (176 days, M-F, 7.5 hrs./day)-4

Location: Academy International Elementary School
Recruiting Start Date: 08/24/2026 (posting will be open at least five days after this date)
Estimated Start Date: 09/09/2026

About the Role

SpEd Paraprofessional - Autism performs the day-to-day activities of teaching students in the autism spectrum while under the supervision of a teacher. The paraprofessional does not make diagnostic or long-term education decisions regarding special education students. This position addresses current student needs at the specified school. If the program or school experiences a change in student needs, the individual may be required to change locations to another school where needs are demonstrated, which could occur at any time during the school year.

Assists licensed special education teachers, autism specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and other evaluative staff in implementing goals for students in the autism spectrum.

Responsibilities

• Reports consistently for work as scheduled
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards
• Obtains and maintains certifications necessary to support students with special needs
• Carries out instructional programs and lessons in various learning environments as designated in the lesson plan
• Implements programming specific to children in the autism spectrum (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior Training)
• Works one-on-one with students to implement specific programming (Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior Training, etc.)
• Monitors behavior programs and reward systems for students
• Collects data for assessment and monitoring purposes
• Prepares data collection sheets as needed
• Performs behavior management through Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques when appropriate
• Removes disruptive or defiant students
• Assists students in recitation, reading, and other curriculum tasks
• Accompanies and assists students in the classroom setting
• Assists individual students in performing activities instructed by a teacher
• Tutors students in various subject areas, working one-on-one and with small groups
• Handles confidential special education student information
• Performs tasks for students such as meal preparation, feeding, and lunch clean-up
• Accompanies students to the office, school nurse, or on field trips as needed
• Helps resolve student disciplinary issues
• Keeps up-to-date on behavior management techniques
• Provides initial first aid and emergency care
• Assists students with physical tasks such as putting on/taking off outerwear, moving between rooms, and using the lavatory
• Assists with non-standardized testing of students
• Develops and implements games and teaching aids
• Assists in preparation, production, and maintenance of materials and equipment
• Coordinates completion of assignments with classroom teachers
• Monitors students during recess, hall duty, passing periods, and bus loading
• Assists students in finding materials and books in the library
• Supervises student use of various programs on the computer
• Supervises student use of swimming pool, weight room, and therapy pool
• Maintains student files, updating information as appropriate
• Keeps up-to-date on curriculum standards and instructional practices
• Completes daily paperwork (e.g., attendance reports, detention slips, student referral slips, passes)
• Attends pre-job training, ongoing training, and meetings as required
• Attends meetings and conferences as required
• Maintains, orders, and organizes inventory of materials and equipment
• Sanitizes equipment and materials
• Performs miscellaneous clerical duties and assists other staff members
• Laminates materials and prepares bulletin boards for parents and programs

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to create, access, input, retrieve, and manipulate information in various software systems
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate record keeping, document management, and filing systems
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and professions
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to greet and interact with the public courteously and professionally
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
• Ability to work days, hours, locations, and assignments as directed by the supervisor
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Commitment to the education of students as a primary responsibility
• Effective communication with students and adults in diverse settings
• Computer proficiency, including office productivity applications
• Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures, and overall district functions
• Demonstrated ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team setting
• Demonstrates citizenship, compassion, courage, discernment, excellence, honesty, hope, integrity, patience, perseverance, reliability, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
• Effective organizational and time management skills
• Detail-oriented, energetic, creative, innovative, and flexible
• Excellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of office methods and procedures
• Knowledge of Special Education, other educational programming, and associated legal requirements
• Promotes a positive climate, culture, and community
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills
• Student-centered and relationship-focused
• Understanding of data privacy laws and their implications for the educational community
• Willing to receive on-the-job training specific to student needs (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior Training, signing)
• Willing to attend CO-TOP opportunities and other professional learning related to the job
• Willing to be trained to carry out delegated nursing practices
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training as required

Work Environment

• Noise level may alternate among quiet, moderate, and loud
• Frequent in-person and communication-based interaction with students, public, and staff
• Required to work scheduled school/work hours and may be required to work extended hours as directed
• Work is generally performed in a school setting; occasional visits to homes, job sites, or offices may occur
• May experience exposure to high noise levels associated with a classroom environment
• May experience the threat of direct or indirect personal harm or conflict situations

Physical Demands

• Sits, stands, walks, stoops, kneels, and crouches/squats while performing duties
• Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal interaction and use of communication devices
• Uses eyes, hands, and finger coordination for equipment and writing utensils
• Ability to meet the physical and self-help needs of students (toileting, feeding, dressing, and transfers)
• Ability to physically restrain students following Nonviolent Crisis Intervention guidelines
• Ability to physically escort students to various locations (e.g., time-out area)
• Ability to perform visual and auditory monitoring of students in various locations
• Typical demands require lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 50 lbs.; may lift students when assistance is required (up to 50 lbs. in a two-person lift, potentially higher depending on student need)
• Climbs stairs, ladders, and/or stools
• Reaches, holds, grasps, and turns objects
• Uses fingers to operate computer keyboards
• Feels the shape, size, and temperature of objects
• Physically restrains students when necessary

Cognitive Functions

• Analyze, communicate, compare, compile, compute, coordinate, copy, evaluate, instruct, negotiate, synthesize, reason, and use interpersonal skills

Qualifications

• First Aid/CPR certification (American Heart Association, Red Cross, or equivalent)
• High school graduate (diploma or equivalent)
• Non-Crisis Intervention certification (Crisis Prevention Institute - CPI) preferred

Pay

Compensation Range: $21.02–$22.07 per hour

Schedule

• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5
• Hours Per Day: 7.5
• Number of Days Per Year: 176 (Monday–Friday)

Benefits

Full-time, regular benefits eligibility. For more information, visit Employee Benefits | Academy District 20.