Education Support Professional, (Special Education: Developmental/Cognitive Disabilities DCD)

Intermediate School District 917; South Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Full time

Job summary

Intermediate School District 917 is seeking an Education Support Professional for special education services in South Saint Paul, MN. This role requires working closely with teachers and students to meet individualized educational goals, adapting instructional strategies, and supporting students' needs in various settings.

The ideal candidate will hold at least an Associate’s degree or equivalent, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to supporting children with special needs. The position has a starting pay of $22.55 per hour and involves engaging in training and compliance with safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to work with students receiving a high level of special education services.
• Previous experience working with children and/or individuals with special needs.
• Good oral, written, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Implement data collection and monitoring techniques for student success.
• Facilitate activities with individual students or small groups.

Skills

Working with special education students

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Assistive technology

Behavior management techniques

Education

Two years of study at an institution of higher education

Associate’s degree or higher

Tools

Assistive technology tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Education Support Professional, Special Education (Developmental/Cognitive Disabilities DCD)

Job ID: 1928
Posted: June 10, 2026
Location: Lincoln Center, South St. Paul, MN
Start Date: August 26, 2026
Hours per Day: 7.5
Schedule: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 days a week
Starting Pay: $22.55 per hour

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the guidance of the classroom teacher and direct supervision of program assistant directors/principals, Education Support Professionals aid students in meeting their IEP goals in areas such as educational, communication, emotional, physical, and behavioral. They work individually and in small groups with students, and support additional goals set by speech–language pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health practitioners, and other specialists. Paraprofessionals assist students one‑on‑one throughout the workday, modeling and encouraging respect, communication, and competence during tasks and socialization.

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 behavioral, social, and educational areas.
• Assist licensed staff in implementing classroom management and behavioral interventions, creating an environment appropriate for learning.
• Utilize proactive behavior‑management techniques, reinforcing positive behaviors, applying de‑escalation methods, and redirecting inappropriate behaviors. May be required to use physical restraints.
• Assist students in daily routines, including escorting during arrival and departure and to special classes or therapy; provide supervision in lunch, playground, gym, and school‑related off‑site activities.
• 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 modeling, lessons, incentive plans, and charting.
• Help maintain safety of all students and the environment.
• Collaborate with related‑service personnel, teachers, fellow assistants, and other staff to meet student needs and maintain a positive work environment.
• Participate in training or in‑service as assigned, in accordance with 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.
• Highly qualified: Two years of study at an institution of higher education with transcripts showing 60 completed semester credits, an Associate’s (or higher) degree, or 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 team member 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 maintained during high‑stress and crisis situations.
• Ability and desire to work with assistive technology.
• Basic computer and e‑mail skills. Proficient in core educational subject areas.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and up to adult‑size body weight with 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 may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions and bloodborne pathogens and may require wearing personal protective equipment.
• Work area generally moderately noisy.

Intermediate School District 917 is an equal opportunity employer.