Paraprofessional

Job Description

Job Description

Paraprofessional – Mars, PA

Hope is a premier provider of educational and therapeutic services for children with special needs throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. We are a model of excellence, a safe haven for students, and a steady advocate for families who need our support.

Located on our beautiful 30-acre wooded campus in Mars, PA, Hope Academy North offers a unique educational environment where students and staff benefit from a peaceful setting, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community.

Guided by compassion, integrity, innovation, perseverance, and teamwork, our multidisciplinary team takes a best-practices approach to helping every student succeed.

We will always be a source of hope.

Why Join Hope?

At Hope, we believe exceptional paraprofessionals deserve a workplace where they feel supported, valued, and empowered to make a meaningful difference.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful work every day — Help students build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve greater independence while making a lasting impact in their lives. Our small classroom environments allow you to build meaningful relationships with students and see the progress you help create.

• A school schedule that supports work-life balance — Enjoy a consistent Monday–Friday schedule from 8:15 AM to 2:45 PM that follows the school calendar. No evenings or weekends, with school holidays and breaks built into the year! Paraprofessionals also participate in Hope's 6-week Extended School Year (ESY) program during the summer, providing continued employment, consistent hours, and reliable income throughout the summer months. Additional hours may also be available through Hope Therapy Centers’ IBHS clinic for team members interested in expanding their schedule.

• A peaceful campus setting — Work on our beautiful 30-acre wooded campus in Mars, PA, offering a unique environment unlike a traditional school. Students and staff enjoy outdoor spaces, walking paths, and a calm setting designed to support learning and connection.

• A collaborative team environment — Work alongside special education teachers, BCBAs, therapists, and fellow paraprofessionals who support one another and celebrate student success together.

• A supportive classroom experience — Receive guidance and collaboration from experienced educators and specialists. You will be part of a team where you are valued and supported every day.

• Hands-on experience — Build valuable experience in special education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), behavior support, and classroom instruction while working directly with students.

• Professional growth opportunities — Whether you're beginning your career in education or exploring a future in ABA, teaching, psychology, or therapy, Hope provides opportunities to learn, grow, and advance.

• A team that cares — Be part of an organization where relationships, teamwork, and compassion guide everything we do.

• Competitive benefits — Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement savings opportunities, and additional employee benefits.

About the Role

As a School-Based Paraprofessional at Hope, you'll play an essential role in helping students with special needs learn, grow, and thrive. Working under the direction of certified teachers and alongside a multidisciplinary team, you'll provide individualized support that promotes academic achievement, positive behavior, communication, social development, and independence.

Every day brings new opportunities to celebrate student successes and make a meaningful difference.

Core ResponsibilitiesSupport Student Learning

Provide one-on-one and small-group instructional support to reinforce classroom lessons, assist with assignments, and encourage student participation.

Promote Student Success

Implement teacher-directed instructional strategies, behavior support plans, and individualized interventions that help students achieve their educational goals.

Foster a Positive Learning Environment

Help create a safe, structured, and engaging classroom where students feel supported, respected, and encouraged to succeed.

Collaborate with the Educational Team

Partner with teachers, therapists, BCBAs, and other professionals to provide consistent support and meet each student's unique needs.

Assist with Daily Student Needs

Support students with transitions, mobility, self-care, toileting, feeding, and other personal care needs as appropriate while maintaining student dignity and independence.

Maintain a Safe and Organized Environment

Supervise students throughout the school day, assist during lunch, recess, community outings, and classroom transitions, while helping maintain organized learning spaces.

What You BringRequired Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or 48 completed college credits required

• Experience working with children or individuals with special needs preferred, but not required

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude

• A passion for helping students reach their full potential

Required Clearances

• Act 33 – PA Child Abuse History Clearance

• Act 34 – PA State Criminal History Clearance

• Act 114 – FBI Clearance (Department of Education)

• Act 126 – Mandated Reporter Training

• Act 168 – Previous Employer Disclosure

• CPR/First Aid Certification

• TB Test & Physical

Join Our Team

If you're looking for more than just your next job — if you're looking for an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, make a lasting impact, and be part of a team that’s changing lives every day— we invite you to apply.

Join Hope and help us continue to be a source of hope for the students and families we serve.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Hope Center is committed to maintaining fair and equitable employment practices in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. All employment policies, procedures, and practices shall be designed to ensure equal opportunity, prohibit discrimination and retaliation, and promote an inclusive workplace.

Policy Statement

The Hope Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. Employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, consistent with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Protected Characteristics

No person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the basis of:

• Race (including hair type, hair texture, or hair style)

• Color

• Religious creed (including observance, practice and belief)

• Disability (physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health)

• Ancestry or national origin

• Age (40 and over)

• Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation

• Genetic information

• Veteran or military status

• Familial or martial status

• Or any other characteristic protected under applicable law

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:

• Recruitment, hiring, and job advertisements

• Assignments, classifications, and promotions

• Compensation, benefits, and training

• Transfers, discipline, and termination

• Discipline and termination

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship

• Protection for retaliation for good-faith reports or participation in investigations

Enforcement & Reporting

Managers, supervisors, and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy. Any person who believes that have been subject to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should report the matter through established grievance or HR reporting process. The Hope Center shall investigate promptly and take appropriate corrective action. No individual will be retaliated against for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation.