Exceptional Student Services Paraprofessional

NAFSA: Association of International Educators; Polacca (AZ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopi Junior/Senior High School is seeking an ESS Paraprofessional who is innovative, enthusiastic, and ready to help students prepare for a successful future. The role supports the Exceptional Student Services team in personal-social growth, educational planning, and career development.

Responsibilities include assisting in identifying student needs, supporting instructional services, coordinating with teachers and parents, and ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality in the ESS program.

Qualifications

• Graduation from High School, GED and completed at least 2 years (requiring a total of 60 credit hours) of study at an institution of higher education; in accordance with P.L. 107-110.
• Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education;
• Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; or
• Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment - Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; or Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Knowledge of relevant computer skills (Microsoft Office/Internet)
• Demonstrate skills and competency in English language proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Provides supplementary assistance to the ESS Teacher in identifying students who require ESS Education services.
• Assists the ESS Teacher in instructional services for identifying exceptional student needs through an inclusion model with 7th-12th grade teachers.
• Assists in ensuring opportunities for parents are available in IEP development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Conducts communication regarding Special Education Program and other students while upholding Privacy and Confidentiality provisions.
• Maintains ESS Education Program data accurately for each student.
• Assists in developing policies, procedures, and curriculum strategies that align with inclusion and PL 94-142.
• Supports in computer labs, parental involvement activities, library/media center duties, and translation; follows board policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Classroom management

Student behavior

Verbal/written communication

Adaptability under stress

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

2 years college or higher

Associate degree or higher

English proficiency

Tools

MS Office

Internet

Job description

Paraprofessional (ESS)

Employer: Hopi Junior Senior High School

Location: First Mesa, AZ

Closing date: Aug 30, 2026

Specialty: Student & Scholar Services

Position Type: Other Hours

Hours: Full-time

Employment Type: Permanent

Organization Type: College / University

REPORTS TO: ESS Director

DEPARTMENT: Exceptional Student Services

CATEGORY: Classified

CONTRACT TERM: Ten Months (10)

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: ESS Paraprofessional who are innovative, enthusiastic and looking for the opportunity to prepare students for a successful future. Hopi Junior/Senior High School is committed to helping all students develop skills in the areas of personal-social growth, educational planning and career and vocational development.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Provides supplementary assistance to the ESS Teacher in identifying students who require ESS Education services (which may include: Child Find, referral, screening, identification, assessment/evaluation, Multi-Disciplinary Team review, parent/staff consultation, Individual Education Plan (IEP) development, “inclusion” model services (least restrictive environment), IEP review and updating, and class placement).
• At the direction of the ESS Teacher or Director, provides assistance in the instructional services for identifying exceptional student needs through use of an "inclusion" model or other appropriate services delivery system in collaboration with the 7th -12th grade classroom teachers, as appropriate.
• Assists the ESS Teacher in assuring that opportunities for parents are consistently available in IEP development, implementation, evaluation, and that regular updating of the plan is an integral part of quality services to exceptional students.
• Conducts communication regarding Special Education Program and other students in accordance with Privacy Act, Confidentiality Act, and other regulatory provisions.
• Assists the Special Education teacher in maintaining ESS Education Program data and information in a consistent and accurate manner, as is appropriate and required for each individual student.
• Assists the classroom teacher in the development of policies, procedures, materials and curriculum strategies which complement P.L. 94-142 purposes and intent, and guidelines.
• Provides assistance in a computer laboratory; conducts parental involvement activities; provides support in a library or media center and acts as a translator.
• Conducts duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Hopi Junior/Senior High School Governing Board Policies and Procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge And Skills Required

• Knowledge of best practices in classroom management.
• Knowledge of general safety rules and techniques and skills in monitoring and correcting student behavior.
• Knowledge of relevant Hopi Junior/Senior Governing Board Policies and district rules of conduct and ethics.
• Knowledge of relevant computer skills (Microsoft Office/Internet)
• Professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to instruct and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Knowledge of general school site rules and policy.
• Knowledge of Governing Board rules of conduct and policy.
• Skill in communicating orally and in writing.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others, requiring the ability to interact professionally and courteously with students, faculty, staff and the public.

Qualifications

• Graduation from High School, GED and completed at least 2 years (requiring a total of 60 credit hours) of study at an institution of higher education; in accordance with P.L. 107-110.
• Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education;
• Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; or
• Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment -
• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Knowledge of relevant computer skills (Microsoft Office/Internet)
• Demonstrate skills and competency in English language proficiency required.

Preferred Quailifications

• Hopi/Indian Preference in employment considered.
• Valid State Driver Licenses.
• Valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must successfully pass employment background checks within the last five years, which include state, federal and local tribe.
• The completion of the Master Teacher course with a passing grade can substitute for 2 years of study at a higher institution.

Indian Preference Policy

Hopi/Indian preference in employment will be practiced, in accordance to the Hopi Tribe, “any person who is presently an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe.” Shall mean that in selection process Indian candidates who meet or surpass qualifications for a position shall be given preference for positions established by the Governing Board.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Within the scope of Indian preference, all candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or other non-merit factors.

Reasonable Accommodation Language

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify this agency. The decision in granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes to walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs., such as boxes of books and mobile carts.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work of students.