Paraprofessional Specialized Program Assistant

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026 Job Description Please note that these openings are strictly for internal applicants currently employed in a Paraprofessional position. Job Title: Paraprofessional Specialized Program Assistant Location: District-Anticipated Westerly High School Effective Date: 08/25/2026 Pay Range: $23.09 - $24.09 /hr Class Title: FTE: 1.0 Requisition #: 301 Union: Local 808 Supervision Exercised: None Job Summary This paraprofessional position, under the supervision of the teacher, is responsible for instruction, accommodations, and personal care of students within a specialized program. The role requires building effective relationships with special‑needs students, demonstrating patience, empathy, and flexibility. Responsibilities include assisting with instructional duties, clerical tasks, following behavior and medical plans, and supporting students’ daily functioning. Job Functions and Responsibilities Maintain strict confidentiality regarding students, parents, and staff. Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning introduced by the teacher. Physically restrain students if necessary using district safety care techniques and standards. Assist teacher in modifying and implementing curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Use age‑appropriate instructional procedures and reinforcement techniques. Assist children with academic and functional skills following teacher instruction. Instruct small groups in specific subject areas under teacher direction. Follow teacher or other professional’s directions. Monitor and supervise students during short‑term absences. Prepare and gather materials and supplies. Exhibit self‑control, good judgment, patience, and professionalism at all times. Under the principal’s direction, supervise students during play, lunch, detention, and arrival/dismissal. Maintain order by enforcing school rules in all settings, including recess, lunch, and bus. Provide positive reinforcers as dictated by the Behavioral Intervention Plan. Participate in professional development and complete required training. Receive additional training for students with cognitive delays, physical limitations, autism spectrum disorders, social/emotional disorders, or behavioral disorders. Assist teacher in instruction for individuals with behavioral challenges. Utilize de‑escalation strategies and supervise students in designated areas. Support students during re‑entry after de‑escalation. Follow through with IEP goals and supplementary services such as OT, PT, and Speech/Language. Record and report data on student behavior and performance as instructed. Operate and assist students with augmentative communication systems. Preschool paraprofessionals participate in developmentally appropriate toileting and feeding practices. Follow through with activities of daily living skills—feeding, lifting, transferring, toileting, and changing. Perform additional duties as required to support students’ daily functioning. Required Qualifications Knowledge, skills and capabilities: All skills, certifications and requirements must be maintained and updated as necessary. Work sensitively with children who have special needs. Learn assigned duties quickly and adhere to classroom procedures. Respond simultaneously to varied student and staff needs with sensitivity. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication. Follow a medical care plan under supervision of the school nurse. Proficiency in essential computer applications, data collection, Microsoft and Google Suites. Assist students with augmentative/communication devices and activities. Assist in Behavioral Intervention Plan implementation and training. Attend to students’ personal care needs. Experience Prefer three to six months of experience in a school environment providing support to students. Education Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred. Must demonstrate completion of 60 academic credits or passing score on ParaPro qualifications test with completion of Teacher Assistant Training as required by RIGL 16-11.2-2. Certification Chauffeur’s license or ability to attain one preferred. Maintain First Aid and Safety Care Certification. Meet current RI Department of Education training and certificate requirements. Physical Requirements Physically capable of walking, jumping, running, balancing, climbing, crawling, standing, turning, stooping, crouching, kneeling, sitting, reaching, lifting, carrying, throwing, pushing, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, color vision, depth perception, pulling, grasping, lifting, transferring, repositioning up to at least 50 pounds with assistance. Length of Work Year This position is limited to the number of student in‑school days each year plus three professional development days and is a one‑year only position. Equal Opportunity Employment Westerly Public School District is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Young World Physical Education