Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional

Department: Pied Piper School
Reports To: Pied Piper Principal / Special Education Supervisor

Summary:


The paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments within the Pied Piper program. This role supports the implementation of individualized educational programs under the direction of the classroom teacher and program supervisor.

Paraprofessionals work in specialized classrooms and may provide support to small groups or individual students requiring close supervision and assistance. Responsibilities include supporting instruction, reinforcing skills, assisting with daily living needs, and promoting student engagement and independence across school environments.

The paraprofessional reports directly to the Supervisor of Pied Piper and works under the daily direction of the classroom teacher.

Duties and Responsibilities ( other duties may be assigned ):

The paraprofessional's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist students with activities of daily living, including dressing, toileting, feeding, and hygiene
• Provide physical support and positioning, including lifting, transferring, and supporting non-ambulatory students
• Support the development of pre-academic, academic, communication, social, behavioral, and functional life skills under the direction of the teacher
• Implement individualized instructional plans and strategies as developed by the classroom teacher and IEP team
• Carry out therapy-related activities (OT, PT, SLP, etc.) as directed by licensed staff and the classroom teacher
• Assist with data collection and progress monitoring as directed
• Support students during transitions, community-based instruction, vocational activities, and leisure opportunities
• Assist with transportation needs, including loading/unloading and supervision as assigned
• Prepare instructional materials and assist with classroom organization and setup
• Participate in IEP process support, including providing input and assisting with documentation as directed
• Utilize assistive technology and instructional technology tools to support student learning
• Follow daily lesson plans and implement classroom routines and expectations

Behavioral Support Responsibilities

• Support students with behavioral needs using proactive, preventative, and instructional strategies
• Implement de-escalation and behavior support techniques aligned with program training
• All staff are trained in Ukeru, a trauma-informed, safety-focused approach to behavior support
• Designated staff on the KIP team are trained in CPI
• Maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all students

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and district expectations
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, and families as appropriate
• Follow district policies, procedures, and supervisor direction
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and teamwork
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance (essential job function)
• Remain free of alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substances in the workplace
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor

Essential Functions

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

The paraprofessional must be able to:

• Lift, transfer, and reposition students and equipment (up to 50 pounds or more with assistance as needed)
• Assist students on and off buses and throughout the school environment
• Support toileting, feeding, and personal care needs
• Bend, squat, sit, stand, and move frequently throughout the day
• Clean and sanitize areas following student needs or accidents
• Accompany students in the community, including walking distances and navigating various environments
• Perform repetitive hand and wrist movements for computer and instructional tasks
• Utilize visual acuity (with or without correction), including close vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid Michigan Driver's License and reliable transportation
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, particularly students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments, preferred
• Ability to meet physical demands of the position
• Ability to participate in and successfully complete required training, including Ukeru (all staff) and CPI (for designated KIP team members)
• Coursework or training in child development, special education, or related field preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to follow direction and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Basic computer and technology skills
• Ability to pass a criminal history background check

Starting Salary: $17.12-18.80 per hour

Paraprofessional staff who advance or have advanced their learning with an associate's degree in an area approved by the supervisor shall receive a permanent salary increase of $2,000 (prorated).

Application Process: Qualified applicants should apply online at

Posted: August 3, 2026

Posting Expires: Open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled upon application.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program activity, service or in employment.