BSDC – Para Educator

State of Nebraska; Beatrice (NE); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

State of Nebraska, Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC), is seeking a Para Educator to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn, grow, and reach their full potential. You will lead engaging classroom activities, support individualized learning plans, and work with a dedicated IDT to foster student growth and success.

Starting wage is $18.115 per hour with an additional $3 for every hour worked.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field and experience with persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Equivalent education and/or experience allowed on a year-for-year basis.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and documentation skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize and lead classroom activities that support IEP goals and learning objectives.
• Teach students new skills, encourage independence, and monitor progress toward goals.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and updating lesson plans and PLPs with the IDT.
• Use instruction, modeling, coaching, and positive reinforcement to support learning.
• Observe student progress to identify strengths and opportunities for growth.
• Adapt strategies and environments to meet individual needs and promote inclusion.
• Collaborate with teachers and IDT to coordinate activities.
• Prepare classroom materials and maintain documentation of progress.

Skills

Experience with IDD

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Job description

Job Posting

JR2026-00030070 BSDC - Para Educator (Open)

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location

Beatrice, NE

Hiring Rate

$18.115

Job Description

Help students learn, grow, and reach their full potential!

At the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC), you can make a meaningful difference by helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities build new skills, gain confidence, and achieve their individual goals. As a Para Educator, you'll lead engaging classroom activities, support individualized learning plans, and work alongside a dedicated team to create opportunities for student growth and success. If you're passionate about education and helping others succeed, we invite you to bring your skills and compassion to our team!

Starting Wage: $18.115 + and additional $3 for every hour worked.

As a Para Educator, You Will

• Organize and lead classroom activities that support students' individualized education program (IEP) goals and learning objectives.
• Teach students new skills, encourage independence, and monitor progress toward individual learning and developmental goals.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and updating lesson plans and individualized program plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Use instruction, modeling, coaching, and positive reinforcement to support student learning and skill development.
• Observe student behavior, participation, and progress to help identify strengths, needs, and opportunities for growth.
• Adapt teaching strategies, classroom activities, and learning environments to meet individual student needs and encourage participation and inclusion.
• Coach and model effective instructional techniques for BSDC staff to promote consistent support and learning opportunities for students.
• Collaborate with teachers, facility staff, and other IDT members to coordinate educational activities and support student goals.
• Prepare classroom materials, organize learning environments, and maintain documentation related to student progress and program activities.
• Help students apply learned skills across different settings to promote independence and successful participation in daily activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a human services field such as psychology, sociology, special education, counseling, human development, education or speech communication AND experience working with, and applying treatment and habilitation programs for persons with intellectual or other developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Preferred Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field is preferred. Candidates with three or more years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities may be considered in place of a degree. Experience with individualized support plans, behavior management, skill development, active treatment, and promoting independence is beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and documentation skills are also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and related behaviors.
• Active treatment, individual rights, and behavior modification principles.
• Human behavior, group dynamics, and training and curriculum development.
• Academic, vocational, social, recreational, and treatment activities.
• English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and composition.

Skill In

• Coaching and demonstrating techniques to coworkers and individuals served.
• Identifying individual strengths and needs.
• Problem-solving, time management, and organization.
• Communicating clearly and listening effectively.

Ability To

• Learn and apply applicable state, federal, and Medicaid standards, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Read and interpret instructions, manuals, and other documents.
• Prepare reports and develop effective habilitation and treatment plans.
• Evaluate progress and promote individual independence and skill development.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Monitor and analyze documents.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.