What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional position at Blue Star Elementary?
Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional
SUMMARY:
Hamilton Community Schools is seeking a part-time elementary special education paraprofessional to serve two days per week (Monday and Tuesday) at Blue Star Elementary. Paraprofessionals provide social, physical, and academic support and/or supervision in general and special education settings, including but not limited to, the cafeteria, classrooms, recess, and assemblies. These services may include ambulatory, eating and toileting assistance.
LOCATION: Blue Star Elementary
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
START DATE: August 24, 2026
WEEKLY HOURS: 7.0 hours/day on Monday and Tuesday while students are in session
SALARY RANGE: $16.92/hour (start)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Possibly assist students with disabilities according to their individualized needs, which could include transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning
- Possibly assist students with physical care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
- Assist in managing the behavior of students
- Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students
- Maintain confidentiality of information about children and their families in accordance with Board policy and law
- Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings and special events when requested by administration
- Help supervise the arrival and departure of students, and provide supervision and support in multiple settings throughout the school day
- Follow instructions from teachers and administrators
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Minimum Qualifications:
- 18 years of age
- High school diploma or high school equivalency diploma
- Ability to relate well with students, staff, and parents in a positive manner
- Ability to communicate clearly in verbal and written form
- Ability to follow written and oral communication
- Ability to problem-solve
- Ability to read and understand instructional materials presented to students
- Ability to develop effective working relationships with all students, staff and school community
- Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district and BOE policies
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous work experience with elementary-age students, including students with special needs
- First Aid/CPR certification
- Title I - Paraprofessional Qualifications
- College degree; OR
- Completed 60 college credit hours; OR
- Achieve a passing score on one of the following MDE-approved formal state academic assessments:
- MTTC Basic Skills
- ETS - 460
- WorkKeys - Minimum scores of Reading for Information (4); Applied Math (4); Writing (3)
- SAT - at least 480 on evident-based reading and writing and 530 on math
- ACT (between 1/1/1989 - 10/1/2017) - minimum scores of Reading (22); Combined English and Writing (22); Math (22)
- MME (between 1/1/2007 -1/31/2015) - minimum scores of Reading (1108); Writing (1129); Math (1116)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WHO ARE WE?
Hamilton Community Schools is a rural district in West Michigan, located south of Holland and east of Saugatuck. Our well-maintained district includes one preschool learning center (Sandyview), three elementary schools (Bentheim, Blue Star, and Hamilton Elementary), one middle school, one high school, and the Hamilton Virtual School. Despite covering a large area of 135 square miles, Hamilton retains a small-town feel.
As one of the 18 member public school districts within the Ottawa Intermediate School District (OAISD), Hamilton Community Schools employs 400 staff members and serves over 2,400 full-time students, along with 1,100 non-public students across various programs and formats. Renowned throughout the state, our district is celebrated for balancing a small-town atmosphere with educational innovation, catering to the needs of every learner. With a strong focus on K-12 academics, work-based learning, athletics, and the arts, Hamilton is a destination district. WE are HAWKEYES!
Why Hamilton?
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Submit an application, cover letter and resume using the online application system.
Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled. However, for best consideration, applications should be submitted by August 6, 2026
Any questions can be sent to Dean Kramer, Principal khuckaby@hamiltonschools.us
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, color, height, weight, marital status, familial status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status with applicable state and federal laws.
DISTRIBUTION: Internal / External