Education Support Professional (Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Emotional /[...]

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT 917; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 25,628 - 36,501; Full time

Job summary

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT 917 is seeking an Education Support Professional for the Special Education program at Cedar School in Eagan, MN. The role involves supporting students in meeting IEP goals, collaborating with teachers and therapists, and implementing behavioral interventions.

This position requires strong communication skills, a willingness to work with students receiving special education services, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team.

The anticipated starting pay rate is $22.55 per hour, with a full-time schedule Monday through Friday.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with special education students.
• Previous experience working with children or individuals with special needs is preferred.
• Ability to maintain communication under stress.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Implement monitoring techniques to ensure student success.
• Collaborate with staff to meet student needs.

Skills

Willingness to work with special education students

Teamwork skills

Communication skills

Assistive technology skills

Basic computer skills

Education

Two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 credits)

Associate's degree or higher

Passing score on the ParaPro assessment

Job description

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT 917

POSITION OPENING

Date Posted: June 16, 2026

Position Title: Education Support Professional, Special Education

Assignment Location: Cedar School, Eagan, MN, Students with Unique Needs (SUN) Program

Hours per Day: 7.5

Schedule: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, following school calendar as assigned

Anticipated Start Date: August 26, 2026

Starting At: Starting pay rate: $22.55 per hour per the Education Support Professional Contract

Position Overview

Under the guidance of the classroom teacher and direct supervision of program assistant directors/principals, paraprofessionals aid students in meeting IEP goals in areas such as educational, communication, emotional, physical, and behavioral. Paraprofessionals work with students individually and in small groups on these goal areas, along with additional goals set by speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health practitioners, and other professionals working with students. Paraprofessionals who are student assistants work one‑on‑one with a specific student throughout the workday. In this role, one helps model and encourage respect, communication, and competency during student work tasks and during socialization. Professionalism, empathy, and a non‑judgmental approach are essential when working with students receiving special education services to ensure their safety and growth and to help them understand and exhibit appropriate behaviors at school and in the community. A paraprofessional is part of a team environment, where collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to the success of the team and the success of the students. The paraprofessional role is performed following District policy and State/Federal Laws.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Adapt instructional materials, equipment, or strategies, under the direction of the teacher or other professionals, to provide differentiated instruction, accomplish objectives and meet student needs.
• Implement charting, data collection, paperwork preparation, and other monitoring techniques to ensure student success in a variety of areas, such as behavioral, social, and educational.
• Assist licensed staff in the implementation of classroom management and behavioral interventions, creating an environment appropriate for learning.
• Utilize proactive behavior management techniques, reinforcing positive behaviors, utilizing de‑escalation techniques, and redirecting inappropriate behaviors. May be required to use physical restraints.
• Assist student in his/her daily routine, including helping the student with personal cares, mobility, and daily living, escorting the student during arrival and departure and to special classes or therapy, providing supervision in school areas such as lunch, the playground or gym, and at school related activities off site.
• Facilitate activities with a student or small group under the direction of the teacher, therapist or other related services staff.
• Assist students with developing appropriate social skills and behavior, through a variety of methods including modeling, lessons, incentive plans, and charting.
• Help to maintain safety of all students and the environment.
• Collaborate with related service personnel, teachers, fellow assistants, and other program/school staff in order to meet the needs of students and maintain a positive work environment for all.
• Participate in training/in‑service as assigned, in accordance to the contract.
• Perform other job‑related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to work with students receiving a high‑level of special education services.
• Must be highly qualified: Two years of study at an institution of higher education with the ability to provide transcripts showing 60 completed semester credits, an Associate's (or higher) degree, or a passing score on the ParaPro assessment.
• Previous experience working with children and/or individuals with special needs, with general knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in the teaching of students. Other work history may be considered.
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team with staff, parents, and the community through building and maintaining collaborative and positive relationships.
• Willingness to complete training in Professional Crisis Management and implement restrictive procedures.
• Ability to obtain PCA certification from the Department of Human Services.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication that is maintained during high‑stress and crisis situations.
• Ability and desire to work with assistive technology.
• Basic computer and email skills. Proficient in core educational subject areas.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds weight and up to adult‑size body weight with a two‑to‑three‑person lift.
• Ability to support a student's full body weight up to adult size.
• Frequently requires standing, walking, lifting, bending, leaning, and repetitive motions.
• Occasionally requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to tolerate sudden jarring movement.
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may require wearing of personal protective equipment.
• Locations are generally moderately noisy.

Intermediate School District 917 is an equal opportunity employer.