Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education - Paraprofessional

Location: Lessenger Elementary

Start Date: 2026/2027 SY

Salary: Starting at $18.00, based on prior similar experience

Benefits: The following benefits are available health, dental and vision (single care coverage) * paid sick and personal time* pension contribution options * upon completion of a probationary period

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School graduate, or equivalent or advanced training in a community college or degree granting institution with an approved special education aide training program
• Experience working with students with emotional impairments, autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairments, and/or physical disabilities, or equivalent experience
• Willingness and ability to conduct necessary physical management and physical care procedures with the students, including activities of daily living, monitoring of medical conditions, and implementing medical procedures for which training has been provided
• Willingness to be trained in CPR, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques, and necessary medical procedures
• Good health, stamina for assigned duties, and positive attitude toward students
• Willingness and ability to work with students with aggressive and/or anti-social behaviors, e.g., threatening, hitting, kicking, biting, spitting, etc.
• Complete and pass a fitness for duty physical
• Ability to withstand the stress of the position
• Willingness and ability to manage students in both school and community based instruction
• Basic computer literacy and operational knowledge of instructional support equipment (video, laminator, copying, projectors, etc)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the administration may find appropriate and acceptable

Responsibilities:

• Assist in preparation, implementation and record-keeping of instructional activities under the direction of teachers and ancillary staff
• Under the direction of the teacher, conduct assigned training activities with small groups of students at various sites, including locations other than the classroom, such as the library, cafeteria, hallways, bathrooms, community-based instruction settings
• Provide instructional assistance under the direction of classroom teacher and ancillary staff
• Accept feedback and make changes based on educational best practices and research-based strategies
• Supervise and monitor the physical condition of students with such conditions as diabetes and seizure disorders and implement medical procedures as assigned by supervisor
• Properly implement behavior management plans, including crisis intervention procedures. This is likely to include physical management of students
• Identify and utilize students' abilities and interests to support new learning
• Build and maintain positive professional relationships with students and staff
• Maintain a calm and supportive disposition in challenging situations
• Conduct physical care procedures with students – including but not limited to feeding, showering, and toileting and transferring to/from wheelchairs
• Assist in extensive data collection related to behavioral analysis, physical function and instructional progress as directed by professional staff
• Participate in professional development, student staffings, program committees and other meetings as directed by supervisor
• Care for instructional materials when appropriate
• Enter data and prepare reports on computer as designated by teachers and ancillary staff
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Employment is contingent upon disclosure in accordance with PA-189. Ability to withstand the strains and successfully manage the responsibilities of the position. Must demonstrate reliability and punctuality, with a strong record of consistent attendance. Regular and dependable presence during school hours is essential. All staff members are expected to maintain a professional and respectful attitude toward one another at all times. Selected candidates will be required to have a district paid fingerprint criminal history check processed through the Michigan State Police and FBI. It shall be the policy of the district not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, (including sexual orientation and gender identity), marital status, genetic information, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law.