Special Education Paraprofessional

The Special Education Paraprofessional assists educators at the elementary, middle or high school level to support the district’s special education learners in either the general education classroom or special education classroom settings. The Special Education Paraprofessional assists learners with disabilities in their daily instructional and non-instructional activities under the supervision of the classroom and special education educators.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned) Collaboration: • Develops positive, effective working relationships with learners and staff. • Assists educators in routine classroom operation, daily activities and assignments. • Maintains classroom by assisting educator with daily organization. • Acts as a liaison between special education classroom and general education classroom. • Proactively utilizes flexibility in assisting other programs or other learners to address changes and challenges based on learner, building, or district needs. Communication: • Prompts safe and socially acceptable replacement behaviors in order to build a repertoire of communication, social interaction, and problem-solving skills. • Establishes & maintains relationship with all learners by pairing self as a reinforcer. • Connects and shares ideas through appropriate/applicable formats to express thoughts and ideas with integrity. • Maintains learner dignity and confidentiality in communication and interactions. • May assist learners with alternative modes of communication. • Assists educators with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in learner education.

Length of Position: 9-month position

Schedule: Mon-Fri approx. 6.5 hours/day

Salary: Position follows the Classified Salary Schedule 2025-2026 at A134. Starting salary begins at $18.50-$20.70/hour, based on experience.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED). • Associate’s Degree is preferred. • Experience working in an elementary school setting is preferred. • Experience working with complex learner behaviors is preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: • Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions and short correspondences in the English language. • Ability to communicate effectively verbally, expressively, and reactively.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Exercise confidentiality, discretion, and good judgement. • Adhere to the assigned work schedule by maintaining regular and punctual attendance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment 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 the essential functions. • While performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this role, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. • While performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this role, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, talk, and hear. • The specific vision abilities required for this role include close and peripheral vision. • The employee may frequently lift up to ~25 pounds without assistance. • The employee may occasionally lift up to ~50 pounds without assistance. • The employee may have to push/pull up to ~120 pounds while performing the duties of the role. • The employee may frequently be required to sit on, and rise from, the floor. • The employee may perform a two-person transport, restraint, or lift (with training provided). • The employee may come in contact with bloodborne pathogens or other bodily fluids on rare occasions. • The employee will work in an environment that has a quiet to loud noise level.

The West Fargo Public School District is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment in all employment and educational programs, activities, and facilities. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or other protected status by law. External applicants are eligible for ND Veteran’s Preference: North Dakota veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a form DD214, and if claiming disabled veteran’s status, a current letter of disability. West Fargo Public Schools is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all hiring and employment practices.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.50 - $20.70 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What is your most relevant experience working with students who have special needs?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21