Literacy Paraprofessional

Young World Physical Education; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 23,419 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is looking for a Literacy Paraprofessional in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to assist in promoting literacy among elementary scholars. The ideal candidate will work closely with school staff to provide educational support and foster positive adult-children relationships.

This full-time role requires tactful communication, organizational skills, and a background in education. The position offers a salary of $17.73 per hour. Interested applicants should contact GRPS Careers for more information.

Qualifications

• At least 60 credits completed in higher education.
• Ability to work with diverse groups.
• Competence in maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Support literacy efforts in elementary schools.
• Utilize library resources to help students.
• Maintain a safe learning environment.

Skills

Assisting scholars with literacy skills

Communication skills

Organizational abilities

Experience working with children

Education

Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education

Associate’s degree or higher

Job description

Literacy Paraprofessional

Grand Rapids Public Schools Campus Elementary School (PreK‑5) – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Job ID: 5780348

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jun 19, 2025 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self‑directed and productive members of society.

Job Summary

Assist with the promotion of literacy in elementary and K‑8 buildings by working as a team member with the school staff, principal, and library director to provide a quality educational program. Provide concept/skill reinforcement tasks and opportunities for scholars to develop additional adult‑scholar relationships.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist scholars at their assigned site by supporting the literacy efforts of the building
• Utilize library‑based literacy supports (Accelerated Reader, STAR Assessment, etc.) to meet scholars’ needs
• Work with large and small groups of scholars, providing a variety of delivery methods to meet all scholars’ needs
• Maintain the library facility and environment to be attractive and conducive to learning; communicate with staff and scholars about new resources; develop activities for special events or holidays; encourage reading through storytelling, book talks, displays, etc.
• Assist scholars in selecting appropriate books for use outside the school library
• Participate in and support Reading is Fundamental activities
• Maintain scholar records and update scholar schedules
• Communicate and interact professionally with a variety of adults and scholars
• Maintain a good working relationship with teachers and scholars to sustain a positive, motivating learning environment
• Assist in the school mentoring program
• Attend meetings and trainings as assigned
• Perform other duties that create a safe and orderly learning environment
• Work with the Library Technician to ensure the library environment is maintained in an orderly fashion
• Interact with co‑workers, administration, scholars, parents, and the community in a positive, supportive, and cooperative manner
• Supervise before and after school, lunch, recess, and bus loading/unloading to ensure the safety of all scholars

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 credits); or
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
• Achieved a passing score on a MDE approved ETS paraprofessional assessment

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Dewey Decimal system and Library World

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to assist scholars with literacy skills
• Ability to deal with scholars, parents, staff, and community in a tactful and courteous manner
• Experience working with children at the elementary level
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; consistently reliable attendance and punctuality; exceptional organizational abilities
• Ability to work with computers
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to information security protocols

ADA Requirements

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below 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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Stand and/or walk during most of the working day; turns, stoops, climbs, bends, pushes, pulls, reaches for and carries materials and equipment. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods up to the entire eight‑hour shift in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The noise level is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors, though outdoor activities are required. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well‑being, and work output of scholars.

Mental Functions

Analyze, communicate, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, and negotiate. Must perform oral and written communication in English.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at 616‑819‑2022 or [e-mail].

Position Type & Salary

Full‑time. Salary: $17.73 Per Hour.

Job Requirements

Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Contact Information

• GRPS Careers
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]