Paraprofessional

Austin Achieve Public Schools; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school district dedicated to preparing Austin youth for top colleges and universities. The Special Education Paraprofessional assists in implementing IEPs, supporting academic and social-emotional skills in special education and inclusion settings, and working closely with teachers.

In-person role requiring collaboration with staff, positive role modeling for scholars, and participation in various school activities

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Paraprofessional certificate preferred from State Board of Certification.
• 1–2 years+ experience with special education scholars preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement scholars' IEPs and support instruction.
• Assist teacher with instructional materials and activities.
• Supervise groups and support learning in inclusion settings.
• Accompany scholars to mainstream settings and on field trips.
• Monitor scholar behavior and assist with behavior plans.
• Assist with transportation and data reporting.
• Lift and assist scholars and maintain safety.

Skills

IEP implementation

Student support

Classroom instruction support

Behavior management

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Paraprofessional certificate preferred

Job description

Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school district preparing Austin youth to attend and excel at the nation’s top colleges and universities. Our educators are passionate advocates for our scholars and their families, committed to closing the opportunity gap for underserved communities. At Austin Achieve, you are joining a network of individuals committed to excellence. We have ambitious plans to scale our system to serve the children in our communities better and are looking for educators who are ready to drive transformative change.

The Special Education Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting in the implementation of scholars’ Individual Educational Plans (IEP), supporting the acquisition of academic/social-emotional skills in the special education and inclusion settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implementation of the scholar's Individual Education Plan.
• Provide assistance to teacher in preparing and using instructional materials.
• Instruct scholars and groups of scholars under the teacher’s direction.
• Assist scholars with learning activities.
• Provide community-based instruction as directed by teacher.
• Accompany scholars to mainstream settings working under the direction of the classroom teacher, including the cafeteria, library, field trips, assemblies, pep rallies, and other activities.
• Assist in monitoring and control of scholar behavior in the classroom and other areas.
• Assist in the implementation and documentation of the scholar behavior management plan as directed by teacher.
• Assist in the implementation and documentation of the scholar emergency health plan as directed by teacher/grade level team.
• Assist with physical education activities and provides direct instructions as directed by the teacher.
• Accompany scholars via public transportation to community-based training sites and provides direct instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Assist and/or monitor the transportation of scholars.
• Assist in collating information and preparing reports, including enrollments, class counts, and contact hours.
• Obtain and disseminate data regarding scholar lessons and progress.
• Assist in testing routines.
• Have a positive attitude.
• Act as a positive role model for scholars.
• Maintain good rapport with school staff, scholars, and parents.
• Physically assist with lifting scholars.
• Monitor scholars for medical emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma (required), Bachelor's degree (preferred)
• Paraprofessional certificate preferred from State Board of Certification
• 1-2 years+ experience in working with special education scholars preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep-seated belief in the mission and vision of Austin Achieve
• Be willing to do “whatever it takes” to ensure all scholars learn
• Hold all scholars to the highest expectations to ensure college readiness
• Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve as an educator through feedback, coaching, and professional development.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Demonstrate fine motor skills for activities like writing, cutting, and using technology.
• Maintain energy and stamina to engage actively with young children throughout the day.
• Respond quickly to the physical needs of children in a classroom or outdoor setting.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• This job can only be done in-person and is not eligible for remote or off-site work.

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering most of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parental leave, subsidized childcare, paid time off, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan

Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.