Paraprofessional

The Special Education Paraprofessional / Aide provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with and without disabilities under the direction of a certified special education teacher or administrator. This position assists students in achieving academic and functional goals as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while ensuring safety, dignity, and inclusion. Responsibilities include support with academics, behavior management, and activities of daily living (ADLs), such as toileting, feeding, mobility, and hygiene. The role contributes to the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) by promoting equity, access, and student success.

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The individual who holds this position has the responsibility to:

• Provide one-on-one or small-group instructional support under teacher supervision.
• Assist students in meeting IEP goals through academic, behavioral, and social support. 
• Implement behavior intervention plans as directed by certified staff. 
• Supervise and support students during transitions, recess, lunch, transportation, and other activities. 
• Provide personal care and support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including: Toileting and diapering assistance. Feeding, including adaptive feeding and use of feeding tubes as trained. Showering or bathing, as required by student health or IEP plans. Dressing, grooming, and hygiene support. Mobility assistance, including transfers, lifting, and use of adaptive equipment.

Paraprofessional/Aide 

• Administer medications, feeding procedures, or medical supports only under training and supervision in accordance with district policy. 
• Document student progress, behavior, and incidents as directed by supervising staff. 
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and medical needs. 
• Communicate effectively with teachers, administrators, parents, and service providers as appropriate. 
• Participate in required training, including CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention), CPR, First Aid, and specialized medical care procedures. 
• Follow district policies, IEPs, and staff handbooks consistently. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising teacher, Special Education Director, or Principal.

Supervisory Duties 

The Special Education Paraprofessional / Aide does not supervise other employees but has responsibility for the direct supervision and care of assigned students.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• Associate’s Degree, 60 college credit hours, or passing score on the Paraprofessional Assessment required (per Missouri DESE).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• CPR/First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain). 
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification required (or ability to obtain). 
• Training in specialized medical or personal care procedures provided by the district as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to provide compassionate, respectful care for students with disabilities. 
• Physical ability to lift, transfer, or assist students with mobility. 
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about adaptive equipment, feeding tubes, and other specialized supports. 
• Effective communication and teamwork skills. 
• Patience, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. 
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands 

• Is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, and lift. 
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds when assisting students with transfers, toileting, or mobility equipment. 
• Must be able to respond quickly to student needs and emergencies. 
• Must manage multiple physical tasks while meeting time-sensitive student needs.

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

• The individual who occupies this position will regularly work in classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, and other school environments. Work involves exposure to childhood illnesses, bodily fluids, and occasional student behavioral challenges.

Terms of Employment: Hourly rate and work year established by the Board of Education.

Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated at least annually in accordance with Board Policy.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The Scott County R-IV School District is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, sex, gender, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions.