Paraprofessional (Ridgeway Elementary) - Summer 2026

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.)

POSITION PROPERTIES


Position Title


Paraprofessional


Schedule / Grade


Para


Job Code

FLSA


Non-exempt


Calendar


Summer


Benefits


N/A


Contract Type


Temp


Bargaining Unit


N/A


Revised Date
02/20/2026


PURPOSE


The Columbia Public School District is seeking Paraprofessionals for the 2026 Summer School program.

(Teachers are paid for the days they work plus the one extra day for building meeting, open house, etc., Juneteenth and 4th of July are not paid holidays for summer school. Hourly staff are only paid for the days/hours they work.)

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Prepare student material and reinforce previously taught material as described by the teacher.
• Manage student behavior and classroom organization, implement policies, rules and/or regulations.
• Provide direct caregiving services (i.e. feeding, toileting, personal care) under the supervision of teachers and staff if needed.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
• Respond in a calm manner to students displaying aggressive behaviors.
• Meet and/or escort students at designated times.
• Demonstrate a positive and cooperative attitude when performing tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality of information about students and employees
• Attend/keep current on restraint training; apply knowledge and procedures to student situations when appropriate to respond to crises.

Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS


All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS


Reports To: Classroom teacher and Building/District Administrator

Supervises: N/A


QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Completion of the 20-hour Substitute Training Course or Passing of the Paraprofessional Exam or Official Transcript with 60 hours of college semester credit.

Preferred: Official Transcripts with 60 hours of college credit. Prior experience in a school setting and/or working with young people.

Ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast-paced environment.

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, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS


Language: Read, comprehend, and produce written and oral instructions, correspondence, and memos ; Communicate one-on-one and in small groups. These are essential functions of the job.

Computation: Add, subtract multiply and divide using units of American money, weight, volume and distance. These are essential functions of the job.

Reasoning: Understand and follow verbal and written instructions; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Solve problems involving concrete variables within standardized situations. These are essential functions of the job.

Technology: Perform basic computer skills including word processing and basic data entry related to student needs on district-provided technology; Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district; Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology usage. These are essential functions of the job.

Other Skills and Abilities: Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty and staff while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries; Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously. These are essential functions of the job.

Physical Demands: The selected applicant will frequently stand, stoop, bend and kneel; The selected applicant frequently move throughout the building and must be able to walk long distances; The selected applicant must physically assist students with feeding, self-care, and toilet tasks; The selected applicant must regularly lift 30 pounds. Must be able to regularly lift students and assist them with movement. Students' size and weight will vary based on age and grade level. Movement of younger children will frequently be performed by an individual paraprofessional. Movement of older students may be performed by a two-person team of paraprofessionals and/or with apparatus designed to assist movement. The selected applicant may have to quickly follow or catch up to a mobile student and redirect the student back to the appropriate class or activity. The selected applicant must have both close and distance vision. These are essential functions of the job.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. The individual will be required to work outdoors to perform tasks such as loading and unloading students from district transportation and supervising recess. These are essential functions of the job.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.


Equal Opportunity Employer