Paraprofessional/Engagement Coach

National Center for Urban Solutions; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

National Center for Urban Solutions in Columbus, OH seeks a paraprofessional/case manager to support students with special needs, assist in implementing IEPs and BIPs, and provide accommodations to enable full participation in class.

You will work closely with teachers, families, and school staff to monitor progress, document data, and adapt instructional materials. This role requires patience, organization, and a collaborative, student-centered approach.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with special needs or disabilities, preferably in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement IEPs, BIPs, and other relevant student support plans.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with students, teachers, and parents/guardians.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Ability to adapt and modify instructional materials and strategies based on individual student needs.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
• Understanding of assistive technology and its applications for students with special needs.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of special education.
• Strong technology with industry specific software and programs (i.e. Microsoft Office, Samegoal, Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instructional and behavioral support to students with disabilities in general education, resources, small-group, and individualized settings under the supervision of a licensed teacher or Intervention Specialist.
• Assist with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and life-skills goals.
• Reinforce instructional lessons using approved accommodations, modifications, and supplementary aids as outlined in student IEPs.
• Support the implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and positive behavior support while maintaining a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment.
• Monitor student behavior and engagement, promptly reporting concerns to supervising instructional staff or administrators.
• Collect and document academic, behavioral, and attendance data aligned to IEP goals and intervention plans.
• Assist licensed staff with progress monitoring, intervention documentation, and observational data for IEP reviews and compliance reporting.
• Prepare instructional materials, adapt learning resources, and assist with the use of approved assistive technology to support student access to instruction.
• Supervise students during transitions, assessments, arrival/dismissal, lunch periods, and school-related activities to ensure student safety and compliance with school procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with Intervention Specialists, general education teachers, related service providers, and administrators to support student success.
• Communicate student progress, concerns, and observations professionally while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and school policies.
• Participate in required IEP meetings, staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and adherence to ethical and organizational standards.
• Follow established safety, emergency, and health procedures, including supporting students with medical, mobility, or behavioral needs when trained and authorized.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Organization

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree (preferred)

Bachelor’s degree in special education or related field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Samegoal

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Job description

Job Summary

The paraprofessional/case manager is responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals with special needs or disabilities, ensuring their academic and social success. They work closely with students, teachers, and other professionals to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and provide necessary accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) under the guidance of special education teachers.
• Support students in developing and mastering academic and social skills through individual or small group instruction.
• Provide one-on-one support to students during classroom activities, ensuring their full participation and understanding.
• Collaborate with teachers and other professionals to create and modify instructional materials to meet each student's unique needs.
• Help students with organization and time management, promoting independence and self-advocacy skills.
• Document and maintain accurate records of student progress, behavior, and interventions.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to provide updates on student progress and address any concerns or questions.
• Assist in the implementation of positive behavior supports and strategies to promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to maintain knowledge of current best practices in special education.
• Complete the 1-2-3 process as it relates to scholar retention practices including conducting wellness visits (at the scholar’s place of residence.)
• Weekly communication (with documentation) with scholar and their families to remove any barriers to success in the academic setting.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct instructional and behavioral support to students with disabilities in general education, resources, small-group, and individualized settings under the supervision of a licensed teacher or Intervention Specialist.
• Assist with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and life-skills goals.
• Reinforce instructional lessons using approved accommodations, modifications, and supplementary aids as outlined in student IEPs.
• Support the implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and positive behavior support while maintaining a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment.
• Monitor student behavior and engagement, promptly reporting concerns to supervising instructional staff or administrators.
• Collect and document academic, behavioral, and attendance data aligned to IEP goals and intervention plans.
• Assist licensed staff with progress monitoring, intervention documentation, and observational data for IEP reviews and compliance reporting.
• Prepare instructional materials, adapt learning resources, and assist with the use of approved assistive technology to support student access to instruction.
• Supervise students during transitions, assessments, arrival/dismissal, lunch periods, and school-related activities to ensure student safety and compliance with school procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with Intervention Specialists, general education teachers, related service providers, and administrators to support student success.
• Communicate student progress, concerns, and observations professionally while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and school policies.
• Participate in required IEP meetings, staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and adherence to ethical and organizational standards.
• Follow established safety, emergency, and health procedures, including supporting students with medical, mobility, or behavioral needs when trained and authorized.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with special needs or disabilities, preferably in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and other relevant student support plans.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with students, teachers, and parents/guardians.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Ability to adapt and modify instructional materials and strategies based on individual student needs.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
• Understanding of assistive technology and its applications for students with special needs.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of special education.
• Strong technology with industry specific software and programs (i.e. Microsoft Office, Samegoal, Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Working Conditions

• Innovative Thinker
• Flexible (Ability to PIVOT)
• Flexible Scheduling (Weekends and Late Days)
• Excellent Quality of Outcomes (Meeting Deadlines, Accountability, Follow up and Follow through)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt strategies to meet unique needs.
• Self-starting mentality to always seek out solutions