Cooper - Special Education Paraeducator

Fort Dodge Community School District; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package (medical, dental

vision, and paid leave)

Job summary

Fort Dodge Community School District is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator to assist teachers in a variety of instructional settings, including special education and general education. The role includes supervision of students, support with behavior plans, and preparation of instructional materials.

Salary is $15.07/hour with possible extra allowances for 60+ college credit and para certification/sub authorization.

Qualifications

• Ability to engage students with special needs.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in instruction and supervision of students as directed.
• Maintain a safe, orderly educational environment.
• Support in implementing behavior management plans.
• Supervise students in lunchrooms, halls, and buses.
• Prepare instructional materials and equipment as needed.
• Complete Medicaid documentation when required.

Skills

Engage students with special needs

Cooperative work with others

Health and safety procedures

Oral and written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Special Education Paraeducator

Supervisor: Building Administrator

Contract Length: 190 days, or as assigned

Job Classification: Paraeducator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.

Compensation

• $15.07/hr (+$0.40 extra for 60+ college credit and $0.30 for Para Certification/Sub Authorization)
• All positions assigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid leave.

Job Summary

Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education, work/community, early learning, and school bus, as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Assist teachers with educational activities.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly educational environment.
• Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.
• Supervise lunchroom, recess, halls, classroom, bus loading/unloading, and other assigned areas.
• Clarify and reinforce teachers' instructions and reinforce skills taught by the teacher.
• Chart/graph student performance.
• Assist students with work completion.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' Individual Education Plans.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.
• Assist in meal and snack preparation and clean up, as needed.
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing the classroom environment.
• Follow students' behavior management plans.
• Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed.
• Assist with instruction in the community setting, as required.
• Lift, carry and correctly position students with physical disabilities.
• Prepare instructional materials.
• Complete Medicaid documentation, as necessary.
• Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed.
• Implement strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behavior.
• Supervise students in community/work settings.
• Follow directions from teachers and administrators.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Provide supervision to students on the school bus, as assigned.
• Attend work on a prompt and reliable basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to engage students with special needs
• Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others
• Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Physical Requirements

Amount of Time Physical Activity Occasionally (1%-32%) Frequently (33%-65%) Constantly (66%-100%) Mobility--XBend-X-Talk--XHear--XOperate ComputerX--Stationary PositionX--Balance--XLift Up to 10 pounds-X-Lift up to 50 poundsX--Manual Dexterity Tasks-X-Reaching/Pushing/PullingX--Sitting-X-Carrying (25 feet)X--

Working Conditions

Amount of Time Working Conditions Occasionally (1%-32%) Frequently (33%-65%) Constantly (66%-100%) District Office Hours--XIndoors--XWeekends/Off ScheduleX--Temperature Extremes X--

Rev. 7/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Fort Dodge Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs, services, and its employment practices. If you have questions or grievances related to this policy, please contact Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [e-mail], located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 N 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: [phone] FAX: [phone], TDD: [phone], [e-mail]. (Alternate for Section 504 is Branwyn Greathouse, Director of Special Education/Special Needs, 515-574-5675, [e-mail], Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501).

The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by timely reporting to all relevant agencies as required by law. The District's coordinator for abuse reporting is Roger Porter, Director of Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [e-mail], located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 5050.

Harassment Complaints and Allegations The District's Officers for Harassment Complaints and Allegations Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [e-mail], located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Sex Discrimination and Harassment (Title IX) The District's Coordinator for Sex Discrimination and Harassment is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, [e-mail], located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The Deputy Coordinator is Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731,[e-mail], located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.