Instructional Support Specialist (paraprofessional) - Empower U Central

Kent Intermediate School District; Forks Township (Northampton County); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent Intermediate School District is seeking an Instructional Support Specialist (one-to-one paraprofessional) for Empower U Central in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 182-day classified position with 7.25 hours per day, supporting students under an IE P, with direct supervision by the special education teacher and building administration.

Responsibilities include assisting in educational and social development, implementing IEPs, supporting students with behaviors, and coordinating with related service

Qualifications

• Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education or an associate degree or higher.
• High school diploma acceptable; BA degree preferred.
• CPR certification currently or willingness to obtain CPR certificates and CPI training.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of classroom teachers.
• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and monitor student progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation in activities.
• Work with related services staff (speech, social workers, OTs, PTs) to support students.
• Maintain student records with classroom teachers.
• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and develop appropriate social skills; assist with managing challenging behaviors.
• Provide assistance with feeding and toileting and medical needs including Diastat and CPR.
• Supervise students in classroom and community settings; collect and report data in PowerSchool Special Education.
• Assist in making instructional materials; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CPR training

CPI training

Team collaboration

Student supervision

Behavior Management

Dependability

Lifting 40-60 lbs

Education

Some college or 2 years

Associate degree or higher

High school diploma

BA degree preferred

Job description

Kent Intermediate School District Empower U - Central - Grand Rapids, Michigan Open in Google Maps

Instructional Support Specialist (paraprofessional) - Empower U Central

Kent Intermediate School District Empower U - Central - Grand Rapids, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Kent Intermediate School District , and Kent ISD

Job Details

Job ID: 5944248

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 29, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Instructional Support Specialist – One to One - Empower U

Classification: KISSA Wage Schedule

Reports to and

Evaluated By: Principal/Administrator of Empower U

Terms of

Employment: 182 day position subject to all rules and regulations covering classified personnel. (7.25 hours per day)

Positions

Supervised: None

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Support Specialists work under the overall supervisor of the Principal/Administrator of the buildings with direct supervision provided by the special education teacher. Instructional Support Specialists provide direct instructional support alongside the classroom teacher in the areas determined by students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Duties will vary depending upon the age of students served as well as the nature and severity of the students’ disabilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the classroom teachers.
• Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs for the students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Work with related services staff, such as speech language pathologists, school social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, etc.
• Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Support the management of challenging behaviors.
• Provide assistance with feeding and toileting.
• Assist students with medical needs including, but not limited to, Diastat and CPR.
• Supervise students in both a classroom and community setting.
• Collect and report data through special education student management system (PowerSchool Special Education).
• Assist in the making of instructional materials for the students.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Must meet one of the following:
• Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education OR
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree OR
• High school graduate
• BA degree preferred.
• Current CPR certification or willingness to obtain CPR certificates and CPI training.
• Demonstrated dependability and promptness.
• Evidence of skills with behavior management.
• Understanding, patient, warm, and receptive attitude toward students.
• Ability to assume responsibility for supervising students on an independent basis.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationship with students, staff, parents, and the general public while maintaining student confidentiality.
• Must be able to lift 40-60 lbs.
• Chauffeur license required (or willingness to obtain) with clean driving record.
• Willingness to work as part of a team of professionals.
• Must pass criminal background check as required by School Safety Legislation.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $22.06 Per Hour

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Dave Rogers , Asst. Superintendent HR
• 2930 Knapp St. NE
• Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]