Special Education Paraprofessional

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

The Behavior Helper Academy (TBHA) is a therapeutic school dedicated to supporting students with complex behavioral, developmental, and mental health needs. Many of our students have diagnoses such as autism, emotional/behavioral disorders, and other mental health conditions. Some students engage in aggressive behavior, self‑injury, property destruction, or elopement, and require a highly structured, trauma‑informed environment.

We serve students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) using evidence‑based practices rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our team works collaboratively with paraprofessionals, BCBAs, teachers, therapists, and leadership to create a safe, supportive, and consistent learning environment where meaningful progress can occur.

Who You Are

You are a compassionate, steady, and dependable individual who is committed to supporting students with significant behavioral and mental health needs. You understand that progress takes patience, consistency, and teamwork. You are comfortable following behavior plans, collecting data, and working closely under the guidance of a BCBA and instructional team.

You remain calm under pressure and can maintain professionalism during challenging moments. You are willing to learn crisis‑prevention strategies and, when necessary, participate in team‑based physical safety interventions (training provided) to keep students and staff safe.

Whether you are new to the field or growing your experience in ABA, mental health, or special education, you are motivated by making a real difference in students’ lives.

What You Can Expect

As a Paraprofessional at TBHA, you will:

• Implement individualized behavior and care plans designed by a BCBA
• Support students in 1:1 and small‑group settings
• Collect data on behaviors, IEP goals, and daily activitiesAssist students with daily routines, skill development, and emotional/behavioral regulation
• Use de‑escalation strategies and crisis‑intervention techniques (training provided)
• Participate in physical safety interventions when students engage in aggression or unsafe behavior
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and leadership
• Receive regular supervision, coaching, and professional development
• Work in a structured, supportive environment that prioritizes safety, teamwork, and growth

This is a non‑exempt, 12‑month position with opportunities for advancement through TBHA’s paraprofessional career pathway.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Why Join The Behavior Helper?

At The Behavior Helper, you’re not just staff, you’re family. You’ll work in a collaborative, encouraging environment where you’re supported by fellow change‑makers. Our mission is to empower students with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, and we want to help you grow professionally along the way.

Job Overview

We’re hiring passionate individuals to become Special Education Paraprofessionals, with no prior credentials required. You’ll work directly with students who may display intense behavioral needs, including aggression, self‑injury, and other crisis behaviors. Using ABA strategies (training provided), you’ll help build essential life skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and promote growth.

All necessary training and certifications, including CPI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) and ABA foundations, are provided after hire.

General Duties

• Prepare and maintain student materials
• Implement treatment plans in 1:1 and small‑group settings
• Teach communication, academic, self‑care, social, and life skills
• Collect data on behaviors, IEP goals, and daily activities
• Implement behavior intervention plans, including de‑escalation strategies
• Receive regular supervision from BCBAs
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development
• Maintain documentation and confidentiality
• Support staff during student escalations and crisis episodes, including assisting with physical safety interventions when required
• Follow supervisory chain of command and company policies
• Collaborate with teachers and therapists to ensure holistic care
• Engage in ongoing training to strengthen skills in special education and behavioral therapy

Requirements

• Experience working with children, especially those with special needs, autism, or behavioral/mental health challenges
• Ability to implement behavior‑management techniques
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Empathy, patience, and calm under pressure
• Dependability and professionalism
• Willingness to receive feedback and grow
• Ability to make safety‑focused decisions during crisis situations

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lbs and assist students using adaptive equipment
• Sit, kneel, squat, crawl, or stand for extended periods
• Respond quickly in crisis situations
• Assist with toileting if needed (PPE provided)
• Use electronic devices for data collection
• Comfort working in an environment where students may engage in aggression, property destruction, elopement, or other high‑risk behaviors

Work Hazards

You may be exposed to:

• Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, etc.)
• Self‑injury
• Property destruction
• Elopement
• Loud vocalizations or dysregulated behavior
• Training and supervision are provided to ensure your safety and confidence.

Work is on-site: 3880/3881 Shady Springs Lane, St Charles, MO - 63301