District Special Education Flex Paraprofessional at Cottage Grove Elementary School

South Washington County Schools; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 25,538 - 26,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Retirement plans

Flexible spending accounts

EAP

Voluntary accident & illness plans

Job summary

South Washington County Schools seeks a Special Education Flex Paraprofessional at Cottage Grove Elementary School to provide instructional and behavioral support to high-needs students under a licensed teacher's direction.

Responsibilities include assisting with reading, writing, math, classroom management, and data collection. Position requires on-site work, a high school diploma, and meeting district qualifications. Starting pay is $22.70/hour; anticipated start date 9/2/2026.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Competencies as required by state and district.
• Able to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional and/or behavioral support under licensed teacher.
• Assist with classroom procedures, safety, and confidentiality.
• Support students in reading, writing, and math per curriculum.
• Assist with daily living activities and transitions as needed.
• Collect and record student data as directed by the teacher.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Data collection

Microsoft Word

Behavior management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

District 833 Highly Qualified requirements

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Position

Special Education Flex Paraprofessional

Location

Cottage Grove Elementary School/District

The assignment location listed is the intended assigned building for the current school year, but the assignment location may change when student needs shift, services move, or the district determines support is needed at another site.

Hours per Day

6.25 hours per day

Start and End Times

8:25 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. with ½ hour unpaid lunch

Starting Base Pay

$22.70 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

September 2, 2026

Available for Application

July 31, 2026 - August 5, 2026 or until filled

Highly Qualified Information

This position is eligible for an additional $.50 per hour once Highly Qualified status is achieved (2 or 4 year degree, OR 60 semester credits OR successful completion of the Para Pro which is offered by the district regularly). External candidates DO NOT need to meet this criteria until after they are hired but are required to meet the requirement no later than March 1st.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES MUST MEET THIS CRITERIA AT THE TIME THEIR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.

Classification

Program

BENEFITS

SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. We also offer voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection, along with flexible spending accounts, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and retirement plans. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting your health and well-being.

Visit our benefits page for more detailed information.

Position follows school calendar with the option to work in other summer paraprofessional positions if interested.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing instructional and/or behavioral support to special education students in high needs programs under the direction of a licensed special education teacher.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Consult daily with licensed special education teacher regarding daily responsibilities.
• Assist special education teacher in implementing district policies and procedures, including but not limited to emergency procedures, building orientation, confidentiality, student vulnerability, data collection, and classroom management as directed.
• Assist special education students in academic areas such as reading, writing or math. This includes implementing curriculum, adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student under the direction of a licensed teacher.
• Work with students that may have learning challenges, behavioral issues, and/or need physical support. It may be necessary to assist students with toileting, eating, transitioning to classes, lockers, lunch/recess, buses, physical transfers; and other activities of daily living.
• Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments and accept changing and new job assignments as needed.
• Support licensed teacher in utilizing a variety of behavioral management techniques, including redirection and restraints if necessary throughout the day. Supervise students during cooling off time, monitor and document behavior, and implement positive behavior support.
• Collect and record student data adhering to the supervising Special Education teacher's directions and requirements. Communicates this information to licensed teacher(s) and other staff connected to that student as identified by supervising teacher.
• Provide services to student as directed by licensed teacher in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of, and a positive respect for, the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of the teacher, paraprofessional and other staff.
• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Maintain a high level of fairness, confidentiality, respect and equity for all students, staff and families.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, LICENSE, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Possess the skills and ability to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills in elementary and/or secondary classrooms.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students. Helps provide a positive learning environment.
• Self-directed and able to organize small group reading and math activities with resources and assessments provided.
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.
• Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
• Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions.

Desired

• Trained in and experience utilizing behavioral management techniques.
• Demonstrates knowledge of basic academics and behavior characteristics of elementary and/or secondary students.
• Certification in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities and knowledge of disabilities.
• Knowledge of the terminology related to the services and support of special education students.
• Previous experience utilizing behavioral management techniques.
• Demonstrates good organizational and time management skills.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER