Autism Paraprofessional: Self-Contained Classroom Supporter

Operation Breakthrough; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Operation Breakthrough's Breakthrough Academy is seeking an Autism Paraprofessional to support students with autism in a self-contained classroom. You will assist the special education teacher with individualized instruction, accommodations, and progress toward IEP goals throughout the school day.

This full-time, non-exempt role requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to creating a structured, nurturing environment that promotes independence and learning for every student.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to listen to and engage with students, families, and team members.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine enjoyment of working with children.
• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and consistent when students experience frustration, dysregulation, or challenging moments.
• Belief that all students can learn, grow, communicate, and develop greater independence.
• Experience working with students with autism or other developmental, behavioral, or learning needs preferred.
• Willingness to learn and implement evidence-based practices for supporting students with autism.
• Willingness to implement Conscious Discipline and other positive behavior-support strategies.
• Ability to follow individualized student plans, classroom routines, safety procedures, and teacher direction.
• Strong observation, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with special education teachers, general education teachers, therapists, counselors, and other professionals.
• Experience working with a diverse population of students.
• Para and Sub Certificate or willingness to acquire.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support to students throughout the school day in the self-contained classroom and other school environments.
• Work closely with the special education teacher to implement individualized instruction, accommodations, modifications, and supports identified in each student's IEP.
• Reinforce academic, communication, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional skills taught by the special education teacher.
• Support students in participating in classroom lessons, small-group activities, independent work, specials, recess, lunch, field trips, and other school activities.
• Use visual schedules, first/then supports, modeling, prompting, task analysis, and other strategies as directed by the special education teacher.
• Support students who use verbal communication, AAC devices, picture systems, gestures, or other forms of communication.
• Help students communicate their wants, needs, feelings, choices, and ideas.
• Support students in developing functional communication and increasing independence.
• Provide appropriate prompting and gradually reduce support as students develop greater independence and confidence.
• Support students in learning and using strategies for emotional and sensory regulation.
• Recognize signs of frustration, anxiety, sensory overload, or dysregulation and respond calmly using strategies outlined in the student's plan.
• Implement individualized positive behavior-support strategies under the direction of the special education teacher and educational team.
• Maintain a predictable, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes student engagement and success.
• Support students with transitions between activities, people, classrooms, and school settings.
• Assist students with personal care, toileting, feeding, hygiene, mobility, and other daily living needs when required and consistent with the student's needs, training, and school procedures.
• Follow established safety procedures and individualized student safety plans, including procedures related to elopement, unsafe behaviors, or other identified safety concerns.
• Collect and document data related to student participation, communication, academic skills, behavior, independence, and progress toward IEP goals as directed by the special education teacher.
• Share observations and student progress with the special education teacher and other appropriate team members.
• Help students develop positive relationships with peers and adults and participate in classroom and school community activities.
• Encourage students to make choices, solve problems, advocate for themselves, and take increasing responsibility for their own learning and routines.
• Prepare instructional materials, visual supports, communication materials, sensory resources, and other classroom materials.
• Assist students in effectively using technology and communication tools that support learning and independence.
• Help maintain an organized classroom environment with clearly defined spaces, routines, and materials.
• Assist with classroom routines, including arrival, dismissal, transitions, meals, personal care, and preparation for learning activities.
• Learn and use Conscious Discipline to support positive relationships, emotional regulation, and a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Maintain confidentiality and treat every student and family with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Participate in professional development and training related to autism, special education, communication, sensory regulation, behavior support, safety, and inclusive practices.
• Collaborate with the entire educational team to provide consistent expectations, language, strategies, and support across the student's school day.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success, safety, independence, and well-being of students.

Job description

Operation Breakthrough's Breakthrough Academy is seeking an Autism Paraprofessional to support students with autism in a self-contained classroom. You will assist the special education teacher with individualized instruction, accommodations, and progress toward IEP goals throughout the school day.

This full-time, non-exempt role requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to creating a structured, nurturing environment that promotes independence and learning for every student.