Job Coach Paraprofessional at Headwaters Life Skills Program

South Washington County Schools; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

South Washington County Schools is seeking a Job Coach Paraprofessional for the Headwaters Life Skills Program to support students on-site through work-based learning experiences.

The role focuses on on-the-job training, developing supports at the worksite, and coordinating with the Work Experience Coordinator to promote entry, advancement, and retention in employment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Reinforce math, reading, and writing skills in elementary and/or secondary classrooms.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, effectively solve problems and be creative.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students.
• Self-directed and able to organize small group reading and math activities with resources and assessments provided.
• Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk continuously.
• Ability to tolerate heat and inclement weather as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist in on-site job training.
• Assist in developing educational skills of the student.
• Assist in improving the student’s attitude and knowledge about the world of work.
• Assist in developing student’s social skills.
• Record timing and measurements of student’s work quantity and quality.
• Communicate with coordinator when adaptations or job modifications are necessary.
• Implement behavior modification programs as directed.
• Assist student in self-advocacy on the job.
• Assist coordinator in evaluating the student employee.
• Be flexible about work sites and tasks assigned.
• Report questionable issues concerning employer or student to coordinator.
• Learn specific job duties prior to student placement.
• Facilitate supports on the job.
• Assist with transportation setup if needed.
• Follow-up with employees and employers as necessary.
• Perform data collection and recordkeeping requirements.
• Meet with coordinator and employer to report student progress.
• Maintain compliance with Department of Labor requirements.
• Maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Accept changing duties and new responsibilities as needed.
• Maintain fairness, confidentiality, respect and equity for all.

Skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Independent work

Microsoft Word

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position

Job Coach Paraprofessional

Location

Headwaters Life Skills Program

Start and End Times

6.5 hours per day
7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. with ½ hour unpaid lunch

Starting Base Pay

$22.70 per hour

Highly Qualified Information

This position is eligible for an additional $.50 per hour once Highly Qualified status is achieved (2 or 4 year degree, OR 60 semester credits OR successful completion of the Para Pro which is offered by the district regularly). External candidates DO NOT need to meet this criteria until after they are hired but are required to meet the requirement no later than March 1st.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES MUST MEET THIS CRITERIA AT THE TIME THEIR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.

Anticipated Start Date

September 2, 2026

Available for Application

August 27, 2026 - September 1, 2026 or until filled

Classification

Program

BENEFITS:

SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. We also offer voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection, along with flexible spending accounts, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and retirement plans. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting your health and well-being.

Visit our benefits page for more detailed information.

Position follows school calendar with the option to work in other summer paraprofessional positions if interested.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for on-site training, development of supports on the worksite, and follow-up and support of programming for each student's individual needs in various work related settings. The purpose of this position is to ensure a smooth transition into employment as well as enhancement, retention and advancement in employment. This position works under the guidance of the Work Experience Coordinator.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in providing training on the job.
• Assist in the development of the educational skills of the student.
• Assist in improving the student's attitude and knowledge about the world of work.
• Assist in developing student's social skills.
• Record timing and measurements of student's work quantity and quality.
• Communicate with coordinator when adaptations or job modifications are necessary.
• Implement specific behavior modification program as directed.
• Assist student in self advocacy on the job.
• Assist the coordinator in evaluating the student employee utilizing the SCANS Competency Assessment.
• Be flexible about work sites and tasks assigned.
• Report all questionable issues concerning employer or student to coordinator.
• Learn specific job duties prior to student placement.
• Facilitate supports on the job.
• Assist with transportation set-up if needed.
• Follow-up with employees and employers as necessary.
• Perform recordkeeping and data collection requirements.
• Meet with coordinator and employer as needed to report on student progress.
• Be knowledgeable of and maintain Department of Labor compliance.
• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments and accepts changing and new job responsibilities as needed.
• Maintain a high level of fairness, confidentiality, respect and equity for all students, staff and families.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, LICENSE, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Possess the skills and ability to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills in elementary and/or secondary classrooms.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, effectively solve problems and be creative.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students. Helps provide a positive learning environment.
• Self-directed and able to organize small group reading and math activities with resources and assessments provided.
• Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk continuously.
• Ability to tolerate heat and inclement weather as necessary.
• Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.
• Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER