Therapeutic School Lead Paraprofessional

Description At Heartspring, our mission is to help children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral challenges, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities reach their fullest potential. We're looking for a compassionate, dependable Lead Paraprofessional to support students while providing leadership and guidance to classroom staff. If you're passionate about special education, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families, we'd love to meet you. Position: Lead Classroom Para Schedule: Full-Time DaysHours: Monday-Friday 7:15a-4pRequirements: 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience, 2+ years working with children with autism or developmental disabilities Pre-Employment Requirements: must pass a state and federal background check, drug screening, physical, and lifting test As a Lead Paraprofessional, you'll partner closely with the Special Education Teacher to support daily classroom operations while helping students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Student Support Support students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral needs in the classroom.Assist with academics, communication, social skills, emotional regulation, life skills, and activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed.Encourage independence through positive behavior support and individualized instruction.Build trusting relationships that help students grow and succeed. Classroom Leadership Help oversee daily classroom routines and maintain a structured therapeutic learning environment.Lead classroom operations when the teacher is unavailable.Coach, mentor, and support paraprofessionals and classroom staff.Assist with onboarding and training new team members. Behavior & Safety Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports.Respond appropriately during behavioral escalations using approved crisis intervention techniques.Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom for all students. Collaboration & Communication Partner with teachers, therapists, nurses, and families to support student success.Document student progress, incidents, and observations accurately.Communicate professionally and effectively with staff and families. Quality & Compliance Follow Heartspring policies and educational standards.Support quality assurance initiatives and maintain accurate documentation.Protect student confidentiality and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. What You'll Bring You'll Be Successful In This Role If You Are Dependable, ethical, and accountable with a strong work ethic.Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions during challenging situations.An effective communicator with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Passionate about providing exceptional service to students, families, and coworkers.A collaborative leader who enjoys coaching and supporting teammates.Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Requirements Education & Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience2+ years of experience working with children with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral challenges, or other neurodevelopmental disabilities in a school, special education, therapeutic, or behavioral health setting Preferred Valid Kansas driver's licenseKansas licensed substitute teacher certification60 or more college credit hours Pre-Employment Requirements Required Because the safety of our students is our highest priority, all candidates must successfully complete Heartspring's required pre-employment screening process before beginning employment. This includes: DCF fingerprintingState and federal background checksDrug screeningPre-employment physical and required physical abilities testingReference verificationVerification of required professional licensureOther required employment and regulatory clearances Benefits Competitive salaryMedical, dental, and vision insuranceGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO)Paid holidays403(b) retirement plan with employer contributionEmployer-paid life insuranceTuition reimbursement and continuing education support Physical Requirements Lifting: Up to 30 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. rarelyCarrying: 10-15 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. seldomSitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely; stand constantly; walk frequentlyClimbing: rarelyBending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: frequentlyReaching: frequentlyPushing/Pulling: 10-15 lbs. occasionally; 50 lbs. rarelyDexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterityStamina/Endurance: mild exertion frequently; heavy exertion occasionallyVision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions or warningsMind-Body Connection: frequent awareness of body positioning and task execution Work Environment Environment: Indoor and outdoor work environmentsSafety Compliance & PPE Requirements: Adherence to safety protocols and protective gear use constantly. Mandatory use of Heartspring standard PPE, with additional protective gear (e.g., gloves, helmets, arm guards, leg guards) provided as needed.Physical Interactions & Exposure Risks: Frequent exposure to physical interactions from clients, including slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, head-butting, and biting. Potential exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens in a school and residential care setting. Why Heartspring? A meaningful career where you make a lasting impact every day.Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams dedicated to student success.Paid training, including CPR and CPI certification.Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.A mission-driven culture built on compassion, teamwork, and excellence. If you're looking for a rewarding career in special education, autism support, behavioral health, or therapeutic education, apply today and help us create brighter futures for the students we serve.