SPED Paraprofessional/The Autism Program

About the role

Provide instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students, under the direction and immediate supervision of a licensed school professional. Services vary based on Individual Education Plans (IEP) and requirements to provide services in the least restrictive environment.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small and large group settings.
• Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum.
• Supervise and facilitate students in the classroom and a variety of settings that may include the lunchroom, playground, field trips, extra‑curricular activities, or on‑the‑job training.
• Help and support students with special needs which may include emotional issues, self‑help skills, fine and gross motor, visual, auditory, physical, medical and health needs, educational, prevocational and life skills in a least restrictive environment.
• Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem solving techniques and conflict resolution.
• Enforce district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and meet behavioral goals.
• Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators regarding academic and behavioral issues and observations.
• Provide suggestions, feedback and support to building staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning.
• Assist the school professional by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records.
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including FERPA.
• Attend and participate in district and building in‑service opportunities and committee work.
• (Elementary/K‑8) Perform crossing guard duties as assigned by school administration, including attending crossing guard training and directing children and traffic at assigned crosswalks to ensure safe crossing.
• (Elementary/K‑8) Perform lunchroom monitor duties as assigned by school administration, including assisting students with lining up to receive lunches, helping students open items on trays, enforcing lunchroom rules, leading students to the lunchroom, dismissing students from the lunchroom, wiping down tables, and assisting with organizing and implementing indoor activities for students during inclement weather.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's degree (or higher) OR two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester hours) OR passed the District‑approved assessment to meet ESSA requirements within 30 calendar days of hire (e.g., ACT‑Work Keys Exam).
• 0–2 years experience; experience working with children with special needs preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and behavior management preferred.
• CPR and First Aid preferred.
• Core District Special Education Paraprofessional training or requirements must be acquired within 36 months of hire.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Basic English, writing and communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of computers and office equipment.
• Criminal background check and district fingerprinting required.

Pay

Hourly pay rate: $18.60+ (salary placement based on experience). Paraprofessionals in Center Based Special Education programs (Affective Needs, SSN, CSD, TAP) receive an additional $1.00/hour. For the full pay range, see the ESP Salary Schedule: https://www.hsd2.org/our-district/financial-transparency.

Schedule

School Year 2026‑2027: 183 work days; 7–7.5 hours per day (determined by school).