Special Education Paraprofessional

Hopkins Public Schools

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

Paraprofessional

Provides one-on-one and small group support to special education students with academic and emotional behavioral needs, including instructional support, behavior management, and communicating student academic behavioral successes and to licensed staff to support programming.

Essential Functions:

• Works with individual students or in small groups to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by certified staff.
• Assists the certified staff in devising special strategies for reinforcing learning materials and skills based on understanding individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Supervises students in instructional spaces, lunchroom, on field trips, and when entering and exiting the bus with or without licensed staff present.
• Observes in the classroom and documents students' academic and social behaviors.
• Connects regularly with mainstream teachers regarding student's academic progress.
• Communicates, formally and informally, issues regarding students' needs to the licensed special education personnel.
• Implements curriculum modifications that will help students access instructional materials and content.
• Collects and charts data concerning student goals, objectives, and behavioral incidents.
• Follows third-party billing protocol and procedures as directed.
• Reinforces positive student behavior.
• Assists with de-escalation, redirection, and observation monitoring.
• Assists with the development and implementation of behavior plans.
• Assists with self-help skills, including feeding, dressing, and toileting.
• Assists with mobility problems, including lifting and moving students.
• Promotes and supports the district's overall mission by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Qualifications

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 and Experience: Two (2) years post-secondary education OR a passing ParaPro Score. One (1) year of experience working with children. OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation. Driver's license.

Required Knowledge and Skills Required Knowledge: Classroom policies, procedures, and processes. Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing, and mathematics. Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs. Local community resources and regional community services programs. Computer applications related to the work. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Required Skills: Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills. Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions. Reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems. Communicating effectively with children. Following verbal and written instructions. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Contributing effectively to accomplishing team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities. Commitment to the District's mission to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected. Performing assigned responsibilities consistent with the District's established Core Values. Advancing the District's mission and values through careful attention to the key Learning, Environment, and Resources issues.

Physical/Mental Requirements: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a classroom environment, with moderate physical requirements; a job in this category requires stamina to walk or stand to a significant degree, working with special needs children; strength to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Working Environment: Work is performed in a school setting. Occasional travel required to locations throughout the District.