1-1 Paraprofessional /Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Job Description

Job Description

Location: New York City Public Schools – New York, NY
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6 hours per day
Hours: 30 hours per week
Position Type: 1:1 Student Support
Setting: In-Person, School-Based

Position Summary

We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced 1:1 Paraprofessional to provide individualized support to a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within a New York City public school.

The Paraprofessional will work directly with the student throughout the school day to support academic participation, communication, social-emotional development, behavioral needs, independence, and successful participation in the school environment.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with children with autism and experience implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support to the assigned student throughout the school day.

• Assist the student with participating in classroom instruction, assignments, transitions, and daily school routines.

• Implement strategies and accommodations outlined in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) .

• Utilize ABA-based strategies , including positive reinforcement, prompting, modeling, redirection, and reinforcement schedules as appropriate.

• Support positive behaviors and assist with implementing the student's behavioral support strategies or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), when applicable.

• Help the student develop greater independence with academic, social, behavioral, and functional tasks.

• Support communication and appropriate social interactions with teachers, peers, and other school staff.

• Assist the student with transitions between classrooms, activities, lunch, recess, related services, and other school settings.

• Collect and maintain behavioral, academic, or skill-development data as directed by the student's educational or behavioral team.

• Recognize potential behavioral triggers and use proactive strategies to support regulation and reduce escalation.

• Maintain a safe, structured, supportive, and respectful environment for the student.

• Collaborate professionally with teachers, special education staff, behavior specialists, therapists, administrators, and other members of the student's educational team.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding the student and family in accordance with applicable school policies and regulations.

• Participate in meetings, training, or consultations related to the student's educational and behavioral needs as required.

• Perform other student-support duties consistent with the role of a 1:1 Paraprofessional.

This is a contract position and does not include health insurance or other employee health benefits.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Previous experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder .

• Experience with or knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) .

• Experience supporting children with behavioral, developmental, communication, or learning needs.

• Ability to follow an IEP, behavior plan, and directions provided by teachers and clinical professionals.

• Strong communication, patience, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and student confidentiality.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.

• Dependable and able to maintain consistent attendance Monday through Friday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a 1:1 Paraprofessional, Teacher Assistant, ABA Therapist, Behavior Technician, or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) .

• Experience working in a public school, special education classroom, or similar educational setting.

• RBT certification or formal ABA training is strongly preferred.

• Experience with behavior data collection and implementation of behavior intervention plans.

• Familiarity with IEPs and special education services.

Schedule

Monday through Friday
6 hours per day / 30 hours per week

The Paraprofessional must be available to consistently support the assigned student during the designated school-day schedule.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is patient, energetic, attentive, and comfortable providing individualized support to a child with autism. The individual should understand that behavior is a form of communication and be able to use positive, evidence-based strategies to help the student participate successfully in the school environment while developing greater independence.