Class D1 Special Education Para for Minnetonka Middle School West, 6.5 hours, 184 days per year[...]

Minnetonka Public Schools; Excelsior (MN); On-site; USD 27,628 - 39,350; Full time

Job summary

Minnetonka Public Schools is hiring a Paraprofessional/Special Education Para for 6.5 hours per day across 184 days a year. The role supports individualized instruction and behavior programs, including 1:1 or small groups, in regular and special education settings.

Responsibilities include assisting with self-care tasks, using assistive devices, recording data, attending IEPs, and participating in additional trainings as needed.

Qualifications

• Meet highly qualified status per Minnesota requirements from day 1.
• Experience supporting instruction for students with special needs preferred.
• Ability to write observational data and maintain logs daily.
• Familiarity with CPI strategies and behavior support plans is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support, modify and monitor individualized instruction in academics and behavior.
• Assist with self-care tasks; lifting and basic medical procedures as directed.
• Operate special ed equipment and supervise safe use.
• Apply student management techniques to prevent challenging behaviors.
• Participate in IEP and school meetings as requested.
• Document observations and attendance; maintain behavior charts daily.
• Perform other duties and participate in third-party reimbursement tasks.
• Engage in training programs for paraprofessionals before and during employment.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Behavior modification

CPI training

Data privacy compliance

Observation & logging

Adaptability

Student support

Education

Personal Care Assistant Training

Minnesota MDE qualified

Tools

Augmentative communication devices

Special ed equipment handling

Job description

• Position Type: Paraprofessional/ Special Education Para
• Date Posted: 7/22/2026
• Location: Minnetonka Middle School West (MMW)
• Date Available: 2026-2027
• Closing Date: 07/28/2026 at noon

Assignment

6.5 hours per day, 184 days per year (2 positions)
Minimum hourly rate: $24.31 (new rate for 2026-2027)

Job Responsibilities

1. Support, modify, adjust and monitor individualized instruction in academic areas, functional skills, and/or behavior programs for special education students on a 1:1 or small group basis within both regular and special education classroom settings.
2. Assist students with self-care tasks of feeding, dressing, and toileting. Lifting will be necessary for repositioning and physical restraints as necessary. Under the direction of an LSN, perform basic medical procedures to include, but not limited to, tube feedings and catheterization.
3. Operate special education equipment (i.e., wheelchairs, and augmentative communication devices, assistive technology) and supervise their safe and proper use.
4. Apply student management techniques and anticipate, prevent or stop self-destructive student behaviors.
5. Participate in IEP conferences, school conferences, meetings with staff and/or parents, etc. as requested.
6. Write concise observational data, maintain a log, record computerized data, maintain behavior charts, and monitor students' attendance on a daily basis.
7. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
8. Will participate in training on third party reimbursement and implement third party reimbursement tasks as needed.

Job Qualifications

1. Must meet highly qualified status, as defined by the MDE, beginning on day 1 of employment. Failure to meet highly qualified status may impact start date.
2. Evidence of successful completion of the Personal Care Assistant Training certification test through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The certification test is available online and must be completed as part of the pre-employment process.
3. Demonstrated experience supporting student instruction in the classroom preferred.
4. Evidence of knowledge and/or experience in using behavior modification strategies including restitution and resiliency.
5. Demonstrated training, knowledge and application of CPI strategies, preferred.
6. Evidence of ability to be firm but kind, caring but consistent, patient and vigilant.
7. Evidence of ability to accept direction from supervising teacher(s) and work as a team member with other professionals.
8. Evidence of ability to write concise observational data, maintain a log, record computerized data, and maintain behavior charts.
9. Evidence of ability to be resourceful and try options within the plan laid out with the teacher; act independently within scope of program to assist students in maintaining appropriate behaviors and achieving skills.
10. Evidence of understanding of and the ability to abide by data privacy laws.
11. Proven record of excellent organizational skills, punctuality and responsibility.
12. Evidence of ability to modify and adjust the curriculum with input from supervising teacher(s).
13. Evidence of understanding of and willingness to abide by confidentiality policy and practice of the district.
14. Demonstrated computer skills are desirable.
15. Evidence of willingness to participate in district and other training programs for paraprofessionals prior to and during employment.
16. Evidence of strong communication skills and positive interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.