Paraprofessional (ESP) District Wide

Haverhill Public Schools; Highlands (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Haverhill Public Schools in Haverhill, MA is seeking an Educational Support Personnel – Special Education for the 2026-2027 school year. This full-time position (182 days) supports elementary and middle school students under the supervision of a certified teacher, with duties aligned to IEP goals.

Responsibilities include assisting in instruction, implementing strategies, supporting self-care and social skills, managing behavior, using Google Meet/Classroom, and collaborating with the classroom

Qualifications

• Passing score on the Para Pro Test or other state approved assessment program or 48 college credits.
• Associate Degree.
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prefer prior experience with working with children in a school or similar setting.
• Physical Requirements- lift/carry up to 75 pounds with assistance as needed.
• Computer Literate and able to use assistive technology.
• Ability to use online platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, in person and virtually.
• Bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision of a certified teacher, assist with instructional events per IEP.
• Assist in implementing strategies and interventions developed by the teacher.
• Provide role models for students and treat them with respect.
• Assist in the teaching process and work with children on academics, social skills, ADL’s, and vocational tasks.
• Assist with behavior management and data collection as instructed.
• Work as part of a team with other staff members (e.g., BCBA, RBT).
• Execute ABA strategies and de-escalation techniques as trained.
• Assist in toileting and lifting as required.
• Assist in administrative duties during school hours and supervise students during breaks.

Skills

Para Pro Test

Bilingual preferred

Computer literacy

Education

Associate Degree

48 college credits

Tools

Google Meet / Classroom

Job description

HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HAVERHILL, MASSACHUSETTS 01830

ANTICIPATED OPENING

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION

HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS A DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT AND IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION

Title of Position: EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL – SPECIAL EDUCATION

FULL TIME POSITION- Bilingual Preferred

District Wide – Elementary and Middle

Work Year: Ten (10) Months - 182 Days - 6 hours per day

Effective Date of Employment: 2026-2027 School Year

Salary: In accordance with Educational Support Personnel Salary Scale: Associate Degree or Equivalent - $28,162.68 per year Bachelor Degree - $31,820.88 per year

Organizational Relationship or Line of Authority:

Directly responsible to the Principal for all matters pertaining to the building and to the Director of Special Education for all matters pertaining to special education.

Statement of Duties:

• Under supervision of a certified teacher, and in accordance with student’ IEP, prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
• Assists the teacher in implementing special strategies and interventions developed by the teacher for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with the respect due them as individual members of the community.
• Assists in the teaching process and works directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics, social skills, self-care (ADL’s), and vocational tasks.
• Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
• Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
• Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc. In Person and Virtually.
• Completion of Onboarding Process including familiarization with and responsibility for implementation of students ‘IEP, district policies and procedures.
• Serves as a resource person about the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
• Assists in behavioral interventions/able to achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
• Assists in implementing treatment plans, safety plans and behavior plans, etc. for various students in order to create a successful learning experience.
• Data Collection as instructed.
• Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, RBT, etc.).
• Be able to apply ABA Strategies (training provided).
• Execute Discrete Trials, de-escalation techniques, positive behavioral interventions (training provided).
• Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
• Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).

Work with individuals and small groups of students to:

• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with self-help and independence skills.
• Implement remedial and review exercises, practice and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
• Aid independent study, enrichment or remedial work as provided by the teacher.
• Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist in test taking, use of instructional technology and reading to students.
• Observe and make notes of the observation on performance and behaviors.
• Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.

Assist teachers with non-instructional duties, such as:

• Escorting and supervising movement of students throughout the school.
• Proctoring testing and providing make up work assistance.
• Toileting, including diaper changing.

Assist in the administrative duties of the school during normal school hours, including such duties as:

• Provide supervision/monitoring of students during breaks, lunches, community trips and other times as assigned/necessary, including covering for absent members of the teaching staff.
• The supervision of pupils passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
• Assisting students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
• Temporary assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties (lunchroom, recess, and playground duties will be assigned)
• Set up and operate instructional and/or assistive technology equipment under the direction of the teacher.
• Participate in available professional development activities appropriate to district expectations and to the ESP job requirements.

Responsible for other general duties as indicated by the Principal, the Director of Special Education and the Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designees and policies of the Haverhill School Committee.

Qualifications:

• Passing score on the Para Pro Test or other state approved assessment program or 48 college credits ;or
• Associate Degree.
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prefer prior experience with working with children in a school or similar setting.
• Physical Requirements- Ability to move in and out of an office, classrooms, buildings, and up and down stairs. Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Strength to lift and/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning. Ability to climb stairs, kneel and move easily on and off floor mats.
• Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others; ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect of the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
• Computer Literate.
• Ability to learn and use Assistive Technology.
• Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom, etc. In Person and Virtually.
• Bilingual Preferred.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools may find appropriate and acceptable.

Closing Date for Receipt

of Application: Until Filled

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Haverhill Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is in compliance with Federal regulations prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or disability.