Paraprofessional III

Shawnee Heights Elementary School; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Shawnee Heights Elementary School in Topeka, Kansas is seeking a Paraprofessional III to support students in the district's low incidence special education program. The role reports to the building principal and involves assisting the certified teacher, facilitating a positive learning environment, and supporting personal, social, and academic development, with a 7-hour day and 174-day year.

Candidates must have a high school diploma, be able to manage varied tasks, and follow district policies,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the operation of various office machines and equipment.
• Ability to use personal computer and software.
• Ability to observe and follow all school district policies at all times.
• Ability to react to change and frequent interruptions, meeting deadlines as assigned.
• Ability to implement and follow all district health and safety policies, including Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
• Must pass a physical examination, TB and drug tests as required.
• Other duties as assigned by building principal.
• Desire for continued improvement by enhancing skills and job performance.
• Ability to keep student and personnel information confidential.
• Ability to not take student behavior personally and not become involved in student drama.

Responsibilities

• Assist in facilitating the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to individual educational needs.
• Communicate and work effectively with district staff and community.
• Gather data as directed by licensed teacher.
• Learn communication devices (electronic and paper).
• Safely operate classroom equipment as required.
• Follow the district's vision and mission.

Skills

Personal computer

Office machines

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Paraprofessional III

Shawnee Heights USD 450 Shawnee Heights Elementary School - Topeka, Kansas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Shawnee Heights USD 450

Job Details

Job ID: 5740099

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Aug 01, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Title: Paraprofessional III at Shawnee Heights Elementary School (4 Openings)

Schedule: 7hours per day/ 174 days per year

Title: Special Education Paraprofessional III for the Low Incidence Special Education Program at Shawnee Heights Elementary School

Reports to: Building Principal

Purpose and Objectives of the Position: The Special Education Paraprofessional III works in the district’s low incidence elementary special education program at Shawnee Heights Elementary. They assist the instructor in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students. To accomplish these tasks, the Special Education Paraprofessional III works closely with the staff and administration of the district.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ability to assist in facilitating the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.
• Ability to assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to the individual educational needs of students.
• Ability to ensure all activities conform to district guidelines.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with members of the school district and community.
• Ability to gather data as directed by licensed teacher.
• Ability to learn communication devices both electronic and paper.
• Ability to safely operate all classroom equipment as required.
• Ability to implement the vision and mission of the district.
• Ability to follow specific teaching, behavior and life skills strategies as outlined by licensed teacher.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

• Requires stooping, bending, kneeling, turning, and reaching, running.
• Requires prolonged sitting or standing.
• Must be comfortable working in a noisy and crowded environment, with numerous interruptions.
• Must be comfortable changing diapers/pull-ups as needed.
• Must be able to assist students in toilet training.
• Must learn and utilize emergency safety interventions and de-escalation procedures.
• Willing to learn and understand a variety of medical conditions and assist with appropriate medical needs/tasks.
• Willing to work through behavior issues with students and assist them in subsequently regrouping with the rest of the class.
• Willing to ask for and accept help.

General Responsibilities:

• Ability to prepare for classroom activities under the supervision of a licensed teacher.
• Ability to assist students in schoolwork without giving them answers or enabling them to rely on adult help.
• Ability to work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Ability to assist students to become more independent.
• Ability to assist individual students in need of special education.
• Ability to provide behavioral support in the classroom.
• Ability to perform clerical duties as required.
• Ability to assist with the physical needs of students.
• Ability to guide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work assigned by the teacher.
• Ability to assist teacher with non-instructional classroom duties, such as snack, toilet, and clothing routines.
• Ability to assist with reading and storytelling.
• Ability to assist in drill work.
• Ability to respond to information requests in a cooperative, courteous, and timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the operation of various office machines and equipment.
• Ability to use personal computer and software.
• Ability to observe and follow all school district policies at all times.
• Ability to react to change and frequent interruptions in a productive and positive manner, meeting deadlines as assigned.
• Ability to implement and follow all district health and safety policies, including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
• Must verify good health by passing a physical examination, which includes TB and drug test as required.
• Other duties as assigned by building principal.
• Desire for continued improvement by enhancing skills and job performance.
• Ability to keep student and personnel information and records confidential.
• Ability to not take student behavior personally and not become involved in student drama.

Terms of Employment: At Will. Salary to be established by the Board.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the USD 450 Board of Education’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel and this job description.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $18.19 to $20.34 Per Hour

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required