Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant

Job Description

Position Summary

The Paraprofessional / Instructional Assistant supports teachers in creating an engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environment for all students. This position works directly with individual students and small groups to reinforce instruction, support student growth, and help students achieve academic, behavioral, social, and functional goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certification required
  • ETS ParaPro Assessment
• Autism Spectrum Disorder training certification required*
  • VCU Autism Center Training
• Minimum age of 21 years
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with students, staff, families, and community members
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and sound judgment
• Ability to support students with diverse academic, behavioral, and personal care needs

*Required within 90 days of employment as a condition of continued employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Provide instructional support to individual students and small groups under the direction of the teacher
• Reinforce academic concepts and skills introduced by the teacher
• Support differentiated instruction based on students’ individual learning needs, interests, and abilities
• Assist with independent work, enrichment activities, and intervention/remedial instruction
• Read with students, listen to oral reading, and support communication development
• Assist with classroom assessments and data collection as directed
• Support students participating in specialized or supplemental programs

Classroom & Student Support

• Assist in maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive classroom environment
• Supervise students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, assemblies, field trips, emergency drills, and other school settings
• Prepare, organize, distribute, and collect instructional materials and student work
• Operate and maintain classroom instructional equipment and technology
• Assist teachers with large-group instructional activities, including read-alouds and classroom presentations
• Communicate student concerns, progress, or behavioral observations to the supervising teacher promptly

Student Care & Behavioral Support

• Assist students with daily living and personal care needs, including clothing, meals, hygiene, toileting, and mobility support as needed
• Support students with behavioral, emotional, and social development using positive and respectful practices
• Assist with transitions, routines, and structured support throughout the school day

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with district policies and applicable laws
• Participate in required professional development and training opportunities
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct consistent with district expectations
• Perform other duties as assigned by the teacher, principal, or district administration

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting. Employees may occasionally lift or move materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and assist students with mobility needs, including wheelchair movement and physical support.

Work is performed in a variety of school settings, including classrooms, offices, cafeterias, gyms, playgrounds, auditoriums, and community-based environments. The position requires regular verbal communication, hearing, and visual observation.

Employees may work both indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to varying noise levels and environmental conditions. Occasional travel for field trips or school activities may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. The position involves regular interaction with students, staff, families, and community partners in a collaborative educational setting.

Reports To

Teacher and/or Building Principal

Terms of Employment

• 185-day contract
• 7 hours per day
• Salary and work calendar established by the Board

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board policy and district personnel evaluation procedures.

Salary : $20,814 - $32,674