5-8 Special Education Paraprofessional

Position Purpose

-  The Special Education Middle School Associate provides instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students with disabilities in both general education and special education settings. Working under the direction of a certified teacher, the associate assists students in accessing the curriculum, achieving their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, and developing the skills needed to be successful, independent learners. The associate also collaborates with teachers and staff to implement accommodations, behavior intervention plans, and classroom supports that promote student engagement, safety, and inclusion.

Essential Job Functions

-  Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, writing, math, and other skills. 

-  Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce the learning and implement assigned work.

-  Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.

-  Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.

-  Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.

-  Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.

-  Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, and other related non-instructional areas.

-  Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.

-  Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.

-  Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.

-  Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.

-  Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.

-  Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties:

-  Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.

-  Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note:   The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

-  Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements

-  Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

-  Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.

-  Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.

-  Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).

-  Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.

-  Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.

-  Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.

-  Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.

-  Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.

-  Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

-  Works in standard office and school building environments.

-  Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

-  Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

-  High School diploma or equivalent.

-  Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.

-  Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

FLSA Status:             Non-exempt

Date:9/18/25