Paraprofessional

The Stepping Stones Group; Toms River (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development and training

Competitive hourly pay

Job summary

The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Paraprofessionals to support PK-12 students with medical needs for the 2026-2027 school year. This full-time W-2 role involves assisting teachers, nurses, and support teams to help students participate in daily learning activities, with a focus on medically fragile students.

You will provide one-on-one and small-group support in general and special education settings, adhering to district plans and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous healthcare experience.
• Experience supporting medically fragile students or individuals.
• Ability to pass fingerprint-based background check.
• Availability 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday.
• English proficiency and authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one, two-on-one, small-group, and classroom support throughout the school day.
• Support medically fragile students with daily needs, including mobility, feeding, toileting, and diapering.
• Help carry out instructional programs, class work, and assessments.
• Maintain a positive classroom environment and monitor student behavior.
• Provide behavioral support and intervention, and emotional support as needed.
• Collect and document data as directed by the teacher and school team.
• Prepare and maintain instructional materials for students.
• Assist the teacher and classroom aides as needed.
• Support implementation of IEP accommodations and care plans.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Stepping Stones Group

Make a Difference Every Day

Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!

School-Based Paraprofessional | Full-Time | PK-12 Special Education | Medically Fragile Student Support | Multiple Openings

About the Opportunity

Are you passionate about supporting students and helping them reach their full potential? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Paraprofessionals to join our team for the rest of the 2026-2027 school year. This is more than a job. It's a chance to make a meaningful impact while working alongside educators, nurses, and support teams, helping students with significant medical needs take part in learning and school life. We have multiple full-time openings.

You’ll work with teachers and special education staff to provide one-on-one, two-on-one, small-group, or classroom support, with a focus on students who are medically fragile.

• Pay:$20-$21 per hour
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, full-time, about 31 hours per week (about 6 hours per day), within a 7:00 AM-4:00 PM window, no evenings or overnights
• Setting: Onsite, PK-12, one-on-one, two-on-one, small-group, and classroom support in general education and special education settings
• Sites: 1 school site
• Start date: Immediate, through the end of the 2026-27 school year (mid-June)
• Employment type: W-2
• Location: Shared with candidates during the application process

What You’ll Do

• Provide one-on-one, two-on-one, small-group, and classroom support throughout the school day
• Support medically fragile students with daily needs, including mobility, feeding, toileting, and diapering
• Help carry out academic instructional programs, class work, and assessments
• Maintain a positive classroom environment and monitor student behavior
• Provide behavioral support and intervention, and emotional support as needed
• Collect and document data as directed by the teacher and school team
• Prepare and maintain program instructional materials for students
• Assist the teacher(s) and classroom aides as needed
• Support implementation of IEP accommodations and care plans as directed
• Maintain confidentiality of students, families, and co-workers
• Help maintain a safe, structured, positive, and inclusive learning environment

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous healthcare experience
• Previous experience supporting medically fragile students or individuals
• Comfort with toileting and diapering assistance, if needed
• Ability to complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check
• Availability between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
• Ability to follow health, safety, and student support procedures
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Authorization to work in the United States; English proficiency

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are Open To:

• Supporting medically fragile students with patience, respect, and professionalism
• Working in one-on-one, two-on-one, small-group, and classroom settings
• Working with students of all ages, PK-12
• Working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional disturbance (ED), other health impairments (OHI), and significant behavioral needs
• Working in both general education and special education settings
• Adjusting your caseload based on district needs
• Working fully onsite and in person

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a school setting
• Experience as a CNA, home health aide, medical assistant, nursing assistant, or personal care assistant
• Experience with feeding, lifting, transfers, and personal care
• CPR and First Aid certification
• CPI, Safety-Care, or other crisis prevention and de-escalation training
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, or willingness to obtain it
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in education, healthcare, psychology, child development, or a related field

Related Experience We Value

Experience as a Paraprofessional, Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide, Medical Assistant, Instructional Aide, Teacher Assistant, Educational Assistant, Classroom Aide, Special Education Assistant, Direct Support Professional (DSP), or Student Support Assistant is highly valued.

Why Candidates Choose This Role

• Put your healthcare experience to work in a school setting
• Make a direct, daily difference in students' comfort, safety, and participation
• Build experience for careers in nursing, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and healthcare
• Follow a predictable school schedule, with weekends, evenings, holidays, and school breaks typically off
• Work alongside experienced teachers, nurses, therapists, and educational professionals
• Develop professional skills in instructional support, student care, and student engagement

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Competitive pay of $20-$21 per hour
• Health and wellness benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k) retirement plan for eligible employees
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Continuing education resources
• Employee referral bonus program
• Responsive and supportive leadership
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Meaningful work that directly impacts students and communities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain active throughout the school day, including frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, and repositioning
• Ability to lift, transfer, reposition, or physically assist students safely
• Ability to assist with feeding, toileting, and diapering
• Ability to respond quickly to health, safety, and behavioral situations
• Additional requirements may vary by assignment

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

Successful Paraprofessionals are patient, dependable, compassionate, and attentive to student needs. They treat every student with dignity, follow care plans closely, communicate clearly with the school team, and help students feel safe, comfortable, and included.

About The Stepping Stones Group

We believe every child deserves exceptional support for their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth. We partner with schools across the country to provide high-quality educational services that help students build confidence, develop new skills, and reach meaningful milestones, and we give our team members the support, training, and resources to thrive.