Specialized Paraprofessional 2026-2027

Job Title: Specialized Paraprofessional 

Unit/Assignment: BILC, MDLC, CCLC

Reynoldsburg City Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. At Reynoldsburg, our educators embody the principles outlined in Our Portrait of an Educator, inspiring students to innovate, collaborate, and excel. For more information, visit https://www.reyn.org/about-rcs/mission-vision-values. 

Primary Job Function: 

Reynoldsburg City Schools’ Specialized Paraprofessional supports students with intensive needs by assisting in the implementation of educational, behavioral, and social-emotional programming. This role functions under the direction of licensed teachers and clinicians to ensure student safety, progress toward IEP/504 goals, and successful inclusion in the school community.

 Minimum Qualifications: 

• High School diploma or equivalent. 
• Valid State of Ohio Educational Aide Permit. 
• A valid ESEA (Highly Qualified) credential is required for all positions within Title I Elementary buildings (requires Associate Degree, 48 semester hours, or a passing score of 456 on the ParaPro Assessment). 
• Successful completion of BCI & FBI criminal background checks as required by Ohio law.

  Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience supporting students with Autism (AU), Emotional Disturbances (ED), or Developmental Disabilities (DD)
• Current certification in a state-approved crisis management system (e.g., CPI, Safety-Care, PCM)
• Credentials such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Direct Support Professional (DSP).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 Primary functions may include the following duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions within this classification. 

Instructional Support 

• Reinforce learning concepts introduced by certified teachers in small groups or one-on-one.
• Provide accommodations and testing support as mandated by students’ IEPs or 504 Plans (e.g., oral reading, scribing).
• Assist in creating visual aids, “First-Then” boards, and goal charts to support student learning and daily schedules.
• Support students during “specials” and general education inclusion minutes.

Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support

• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and PBIS goals under licensed staff supervision.
• Use non-violent de-escalation strategies to maintain safe, calm learning environments.
• Record accurate, objective data regarding behavior and academic progress for IEP/504 reporting.
• Support social-emotional development by coaching students in coping skills, self-regulation, and conflict resolution.

Personal Care & Support

• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including toileting, feeding, and hygiene, ensuring safety and dignity.
• Perform health-related tasks only when delegated by a Licensed School Nurse in compliance with Ohio law (OAC 4723-13).
• Supervise students during non-instructional times, including arrival, dismissal, cafeteria, and transitions.
• Maintain organized, safe classrooms, including preparation of specialized equipment or sensory tools.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and special education best practices.
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Ohio Restraint and Seclusion regulations (OAC 3301-35-15).
• School discipline procedures and student confidentiality (FERPA/HIPAA).
• Procedures for supporting students with behavioral, medical, or personal care needs.

Skilled in:

• Conflict resolution and behavioral de-escalation
• Observing, documenting, and reporting student behavior accurately
• Effective verbal and written communication with students, staff, and families.

Ability to: 

• Maintain accurate records and documentation
• Supervise students effectively in structured, alternative, or medically intensive learning environments
• Respond calmly and professionally to challenging behaviors
• Support students with diverse physical, emotional, and intellectual needs under the direction of licensed staff
• Collaborate with staff, students, and families to implement individualized support plans.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:  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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in keeping with law. 

Physical Demands: 

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and moving throughout the school day.
• Ability to transition rapidly from floor to standing position.
• Push, pull, lift, and carry up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally (e.g., student transfers or crisis intervention).
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.

Working Conditions: 

• Exposure to high-sensory environments (loud noises, bright lights).
• Interaction with students exhibiting challenging or aggressive behaviors.
• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissue.

Driving Requirement:

• This position may require driving. 

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the employee’s supervisor and or appointing authority.