Special Education Paraeducator

Special Education Paraeducator

Reports To: Building Principal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $35,693 - $51,694

Location: Onsite

Position Summary: Every Special Education Paraeducator has the opportunity to join a team of motivated, mission-driven teammates who are committed to taking responsibility for their students' learning. Special Education Paraeducators are charged with providing a rigorous, fast-paced, and highly structured learning environment for their scholars. We are looking for a highly qualified Special Education Paraeducator to join our school team. The primary responsibility of the individual in this role will be supporting a student individually with specific educational, social and emotional needs. Candidates that are selected for an interview will receive additional information regarding the specific roles and responsibilities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

General Duties

• Provides instructional support to students receiving special education services under the direction of licensed staff
• Delivers individualized or small-group supplemental instruction across academic subjects, including reading, writing, and math
• Implements accommodations and modifications as outlined in IEPs
• Prepares instructional materials and helps adapt classroom environments for learning success
• Applies assistive technology tools and strategies to support student learning
• Monitors academic progress during activities and communicates observations to teachers
• Supervises students during structured and unstructured times while encouraging positive behavior
• Implements individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as directed
• Collects and analyzes behavioral data to monitor goals and inform strategies
• Supports Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) by observing and identifying behavioral patterns
• Uses proactive and responsive de-escalation techniques to address behavior
• Facilitates sensory breaks, reinforcement systems, and social-emotional supports
• Collaborates with Special Education staff to develop and adjust behavior interventions
• Responds to behavior calls and supports during incidents using trained techniques
• Documents incidents accurately and communicates follow-up with IEP team members
• Supports students' transitions back into class following behavioral episodes
• Maintains confidentiality of student information in alignment with FERPA and school policies
• Communicates effectively with families, staff, and administrators to support student goals

Other Duties

• Participates in required training, professional development, and team meetings as directed by the teacher, principal, or district student services department
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications Guide

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of two years college education or pass the ParaPro Exam
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse student populations

Other Qualifications

• Bilingualism in Spanish and English preferred
• Knowledge of special education law or experience working with identified special needs
• State and federal background clearance (Trusted Employees) to work with students (123B.03).
• No prospective employee can report to work without this clearance being received and the Human Resources Manager notifying the immediate supervisor of this clearance.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of special education law or experience working with identified special needs
• Knowledge of applicable school policies and procedures

Acquired Skills

• Well-developed, clear communication and interpersonal skills that maintain a respectful, professional, and courteous manner
• Conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work with diverse student populations

Abilities

• Team player
• Love of learning – a lifelong learner
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Able to communicate effectively and regularly with the teacher and/or principal regarding questions and concerns
• Organized
• Openness to differing views and objectives
• Ability to perform varied and responsible educational assistant duties
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information
• Determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines
• Work independently with little direction

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities
• Seeing, to read a variety of materials
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching
• Sitting or standing for extended periods
• Lifting objects that weigh up to 25 pounds with or without assistance
• Close vision and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Classroom environment
• Noise level is generally moderate
• Work conducted in a public or office setting
• Indoor in varying temperature
• Employees must have reliable transportation

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hiawatha Academies is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or national origin. We value diversity and strive to ensure equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.