Intervention Specialist Paraprofessional Anticipated Openings

Akron Public Schools; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 24,204 - 31,161; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a Paraprofessional to provide essential support to students in various capacities. Responsibilities include maintaining schedules, escorting students, assisting with personal hygiene, and implementing educational content. Ideal candidates should have a High School Diploma or G.E.D., possess strong communication and organizational skills, and demonstrate high physical stamina. This role is crucial for enhancing student learning and maintaining safe environments. Competitive hourly rates apply based on experience, ranging from $17.57 to $22.62.

Qualifications

• Must be able to assist students with class work.
• Must comply with state and federal guidelines for instructional assistants.
• High degree of physical stamina to restrain students and lift.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and follows schedules determined by the Principal.
• Escorts children between locations and assists with personal hygiene.
• Implements therapy plans and assists during lunchroom supervision.
• Monitors students and assists with educational materials.
• Provides small group instruction and maintains confidentiality.

Skills

Ability to communicate clearly

Ability to follow directions

Ability to assist students

Flexibility and adaptability

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

High degree of physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Two years of study at an Institute of Higher Education

Associate Degree from an Accredited Institution

Pass the Test for Paraprofessionals

Job description

Job Overview

• Position Type: Paraprofessional
• Date Posted: 1/2/2025
• Location: Akron Public Schools (High-Needs School)
• Date Available: tbd
• Closing Date: 12/31/2026
• Job Code: 415
• FLSA Status: Non - Exempt
• Time Schedule: 380

Salary Steps (Hourly Rates)

• 0: $17.57
• 1: $18.00
• 2: $18.54
• 3: $19.12
• 4: $19.69
• 5: $20.28
• 6: $20.83
• 7: $21.42
• 8: $22.00
• 9: $22.62

Essential Functions

• Maintains a schedule determined by the Principal
• Is responsible to the principal, coordinator of support staff, and the director of special education
• Takes direction from the principal and classroom teacher
• Escorts children in and out of the building in the morning, afternoon, and at recess
• Escorts children to and from mode of transportation and waits for their arrival and departure
• Assists in toileting, diapering, changing clothing, changing pull ups and student personal hygiene as needed
• Makes certain that equipment and supplies used by the student are clean and in place for proper use
• Transfers and positions pupils in different seating/standing equipment
• Assists in implementing all therapy plans (PT, OT, SLH)
• Assists in lunchroom with feeding and supervision of pupils
• Assists students traveling throughout the building and in/out of the building
• Assists students with elevator, lifts, and other equipment as necessary to fulfill Individualized Education Plan
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date inventory of materials and equipment
• Assists in supervising students in the lunchroom and at recess
• Assists with the distribution of materials
• Assists in keeping bulletin boards neat and attractive
• Assists in emergency situations
• Assists in restraining students using proper Crisis Prevention Intervention techniques
• Monitors students in time out
• Assist students during disaster drills and field trips
• Assists with arranging work centers as needed
• Assists the special education student(s) in art, gym, music, and regular education classes
• Assists in collecting and maintaining data, including but not limited to behavioral, academic, and self-care
• Prepares and/or duplicates materials
• Prepares worksheets and other educational material for student use
• Assists with the class in the teacher's absence for short periods of time
• Provides individual and small group instruction under direct supervision of the teacher
• Collects attendance, breakfast and lunch information
• Assists students in operation of classroom computers and other media equipment
• Assists students in completing assigned work
• Assists teacher in making school related telephone calls when instructed by teacher
• Assists with handling other pertinent activities as directed by the teacher or principal
• Exercises a high level of tact and diplomacy in dealing with staff members and public
• Maintains respect at all times for confidential information, to include but not limited to student records, free/reduced lunch forms, test scores, etc.
• Interacts in a positive manner with staff, students and parents
• Promotes good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation
• Promotes good safety practices and procedures
• Attends meetings and in-services as required
• Serves as a role-model for students
• Performs related work as required

Description

Ability to work effectively with others; ability to communicate oral and/or written ideas and directives clearly and effectively; ability to effectively listen; ability to follow oral and written directions; ability to accurately record student progress; ability to assist students with class work; ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing situation; ability to exercise organizational and problem solving skills; ability to effectively manage students; must have a high degree of physical stamina to be capable of restraining students and lifting.

Conditions

• Copy machine
• Orthopedic equipment such as wheelchairs, stationary chairs, braces, lifts, etc.
• Laminator
• Ellison machine
• Computer and peripherals
• VCR/TV/DVD
• Equipment used to meet medical needs of student such as Brailler, Assistive Listening Devices, Augmentative Communication Devices, PT/OT equipment
• Other equipment used in classroom instruction and in conjunction with handicaps of students
• Frequently required to lift students in and out of equipment, carry, push, and pull students in orthopedic equipment
• Frequent exposure to body fluids, blood, and tissue
• Frequent and regular requirement to lift, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, climb, kneel, and stoop
• Frequently required to restrain unruly children

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• New federal legislation requires paraprofessionals meet ONE of THREE criteria to become Highly Qualified:
  • Complete at least two years of study at an Institute of Higher Education (48 Semester or 72 Quarter Hours)
  • An Associate (or higher) Degree from an Accredited Institution of Higher Education
  • Pass the Test for Paraprofessionals
• Satisfactory BCII and FBI background checks
• Must have three professional references
• Must have a high degree of physical stamina to be capable of restraining students and lifting
• Must comply with state and federal guidelines for instructional assistants

Postings current as of 2/19/2026 11:35:44 PM CST.