Lunchroom/Recess Paraprofessional at Liberty Ridge Elementary School

South Washington County Schools; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

South Washington County Schools seeks a Lunchroom/Recess Paraprofessional for Liberty Ridge Elementary School.

The role covers lunch and recess supervision for students aged 5–12, with a start time from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The starting base pay is $21.93 per hour, with an anticipated start date of September 28, 2026 and seasonal calendar aligned duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to supervise large groups of children up to 130.
• Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Ability to lift and carry 10 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Supervise large groups of students during lunch and recess.
• Enforce behavioral guidelines and consequences for lunch/recess.
• Build positive relationships with students to support learning and safety.
• Collaborate with kitchen and building staff to maintain a positive environment.
• Escort students to lunchroom, restrooms, lockers, and nurse as needed.
• Provide on-site conflict resolution and refer incidents as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness of lunch areas and supervise recess activities.
• Ensure safe movement of students to/from recess and during activities.

Skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Communication

Working with children

Supervise large groups

Computer skills

Attendance reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Minnesota/state district requirements

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Position Lunchroom/Recess Paraprofessional Location Liberty Ridge Elementary School

Hours per Day 2.75 hours per day

Start and End Times 11:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Starting Base Pay $21.93 per hour

Anticipated Start Date September 28, 2026

Available for Application September 17, 2026 - September 22, 2026 or until filled

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).

Classification Supervisory

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 large-group student supervision during the lunch and recess period at elementary school buildings. Implementation of positive and consistent expectations will provide both emotional and physical safety to each individual child.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Familiarize students with and enforce a set of appropriate and expected behavioral guidelines and consequences for lunchroom and recess period.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with students to enhance their self-concept and a positive attitude toward learning.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all kitchen, lunchroom, and building staff so that all employees and visitors experience a positive working atmosphere of mutual respect.
• Escort students to lunchroom, restrooms, lockers, and nurse's office, as necessary.
• Provide on-site conflict resolution, referring incidents to building principal for attention.
• Wash lunchroom tables and provides general clean-up between lunch periods/groups and after the last lunch period of each day.
• Be prepared daily to supervise outside recess activities.
• Direct safe movement of groups of students to and from recess area, which may include walking through parking and bus loading areas.
• Encourage students to engage in appropriate recess activities, recommend activities as necessary.
• Ensure play equipment is used safely and notify building principal of any equipment in need of repair.
• Perform other cafeteria duties, as directed by building principal, when not supervising recess activities.
• Maintain a harmonious and all-inclusive atmosphere for students during the lunch and recess period.
• Provide other student and area supervision as directed by building principal.
• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• 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.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and desire to work with children in the 5-12 year age group.
• Demonstrates ability to establish guidelines of behavior and to enforce the consequences in a consistent manner.
• Demonstrates ability to supervise large groups of children ranging in number up to 130.
• Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students. Helps provide a positive learning environment.
• 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 carry 10 pounds.
• 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.

Desired:

• Trained in and experience utilizing behavioral management techniques.
• Current certification in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Demonstrates knowledge of behavior characteristics of elementary students.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER