Lead Paraprofessional

Description

At Heartspring, our mission is to help children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral challenges, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities reach their fullest potential. We're looking for a compassionate, dependable Lead Paraprofessional to support students while providing leadership and guidance to classroom staff. If you're passionate about special education, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Paraprofessional, you'll partner closely with the Special Education Teacher to support daily classroom operations while helping students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

Student Support

• Support students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral needs in the classroom.
• Assist with academics, communication, social skills, emotional regulation, life skills, and activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed.
• Encourage independence through positive behavior support and individualized instruction.
• Build trusting relationships that help students grow and succeed.
  
  

Classroom Leadership

• Help oversee daily classroom routines and maintain a structured therapeutic learning environment.
• Lead classroom operations when the teacher is unavailable.
• Coach, mentor, and support paraprofessionals and classroom staff.
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
  
  

Behavior & Safety

• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports.
• Respond appropriately during behavioral escalations using approved crisis intervention techniques.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom for all students.
  
  

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with teachers, therapists, nurses, and families to support student success.
• Document student progress, incidents, and observations accurately.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with staff and families.
  
  

Quality & Compliance

• Follow Heartspring policies and educational standards.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and maintain accurate documentation.
• Protect student confidentiality and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
  
  

What You'll Bring

You'll Be Successful In This Role If You Are

• Dependable, ethical, and accountable with a strong work ethic.
• Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions during challenging situations.
• An effective communicator with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about providing exceptional service to students, families, and coworkers.
• A collaborative leader who enjoys coaching and supporting teammates.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  
  

Requirements

Education & Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR Certification (provided by Heartspring)
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certification (provided by Heartspring)
  
  

Preferred

• Valid Kansas driver's license
• Kansas licensed substitute teacher certification
• 60 or more college credit hours
• Two or more years of leadership or supervisory experience
• One or more years of experience working with children with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral challenges, or other neurodevelopmental disabilities in a school, special education, therapeutic, or behavioral health setting
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Lifting: Up to 30 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. rarely
• Carrying: 10-15 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. seldom
• Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely; stand constantly; walk frequently
• Climbing: rarely
• Bending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: frequently
• Reaching: frequently
• Pushing/Pulling: 10-15 lbs. occasionally; 50 lbs. rarely
• Dexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
• Stamina/Endurance: mild exertion frequently; heavy exertion occasionally
• Vision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions or warnings
• Mind-Body Connection: frequent awareness of body positioning and task execution
  
  

Why Heartspring?

• A meaningful career where you make a lasting impact every day.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams dedicated to student success.
• Paid training, including CPR and CPI certification.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A mission-driven culture built on compassion, teamwork, and excellence.
  
  

If you're looking for a rewarding career in special education, autism support, behavioral health, or therapeutic education, apply today and help us create brighter futures for the students we serve.