Paraprofessional - Resource Assistant

Westerly Public Schools; Westerly (RI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Westerly Public Schools is seeking a Paraprofessional - Resource Assistant at Westerly High School to support students with identified special education needs under teacher supervision.

The role involves instructional assistance, behavior support, and collaboration with the school nurse and other professionals, with duties including clerical tasks and following individualized plans. Strong patience and flexibility are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with special needs.
• Ability to learn assigned duties and follow classroom procedures.
• Respond to diverse needs of students and staff with sensitivity.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communications skills.
• Maintain First Aid and Safety Care requirements.
• Lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Responsibilities

• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning.
• Assist teacher in modification and implementation of curriculum and assessment.
• Supervise and monitor students during class and duty periods.
• Follow teacher directions and school policies.
• Prepare materials and gather supplies.
• Record and report student behavior and performance data.

Skills

Student support

Verbal & written communication

First Aid & Safety

Mobility with lifting

Medical care plan follow-through

Computer proficiency (MS/Google)

BIP implementation assistance

De-escalation strategies

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suites

Job description

Job Title: Paraprofessional - Resource Assistant

Location: Westerly High School

Class Title: Regular - Non Exempt -Local 808

Effective Date: 08/27/25

Salary Range: $21.29 - $22.29

Hours per week: Full Time 35 hours per week

General Statement:

This paraprofessional position, under the supervision of the teacher is responsible for the instructional support, assurance of accommodations and behavioral support of students with identified special education needs . The paraprofessional is responsible for the development of an effective personal relationship with children having special needs, which requires an unusual amount of patience, empathy and flexibility on the part of the paraprofessional. The position requires assisting a teacher in various instructional duties, performing clerical duties according to established procedures which can be learned on the job, following individual or program based behavior plans and following a medical plan for students under the guidance of the school nurse.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains and adheres to strict confidentiality requirements regarding students, parents and other staff.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
• Physically able to restrain a student if necessary, using district safety care techniques and standards.
• Assists the teacher in modification and implementation of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
• Uses age and developmentally appropriate instructional procedures and reinforcement techniques.
• Assists children with academic and/or functional skills of previously introduced concepts following teacher instruction and direction.
• Instructs small groups of students in specific subject areas with teacher direction.
• Follows teacher or other appropriate professional’s directions.
• Monitors and supervises students and/or continues lessons during short-term teacher absences.
• Prepares and gathers materials and supplies.
• Exhibits self-control, good judgment, patience and conducts self in a professional manner at all times in person and in writing .
• Under direction of the building principal, supervises students during play periods, lunch periods, detention and/or during student arrival and dismissal both indoors and out of doors.
• Maintains order by reinforcing school rules in all settings including recess, lunch and bus.
• Provides positive reinforcers as dictated by the Behavior Intervention Plan.
• Participates in Professional Development and completes all training required by the school district.
• Receives additional training if deemed necessary for the position including training to work collaboratively with students who exhibit social/emotional disorders or behavioral disorders.
• Assists the teacher in providing instruction to individuals with minimal to moderate behavioral challenges.
• Utilizes approved de-escalation strategies and supervises students in a designated de-escalation area with other adults in safe proximity.
• Supports students with re-entry following de-escalation time.
• Under the direction of appropriate professionals, follows through with IEP goals and supplementary services such as, but not limited to, OT, PT, and Speech/Language.
• As instructed by the teacher, records and reports data on student behavior and performance.
• Additional duties as required to support students in the learning environment.

Required Qualifications for Appointment:

Knowledge, skills and capabilities:

All skills, certifications and requirements must be maintained and, as necessary, updated throughout the tenure in this position.

• Ability to work with children who have special needs in a sensitive, respectful and effective manner.
• Ability to learn assigned duties readily and to adhere to prescribed classroom procedures.
• Ability to respond simultaneously to a variety of needs for students and staff while maintaining a high degree of sensitivity to individual needs.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communications skills
• Must maintain First Aid and Safety Care Requirements.
• Physically capable of: walking, jumping, running, balancing, climbing, crawling, standing , turning stooping, crouching, kneeling, sitting, reaching, lifting, carrying, throwing, pushing, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, color vision, depth perception pulling, grasping and lifting, transferring and repositioning up to at least 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to follow through with a medical care plan under the supervision of a school-nurse teacher.
• Demonstrates proficiency in essential computer applications as required, including data collection techniques, Microsoft and Google Suites.
• Ability to learn computer applications in order to assist students with academic needs.
• Assist in Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) implementation and training.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • Prefer three to six months of experience in a school environment providing support to students
• Education:
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred.
• Certification & Licensing:
  • Must demonstrate completion of either 60 academic credits or achievement of passing score on the Para-Pro qualifications test with the completion of Teacher Assistant Training program as required by RIGL 16-11-2-2.

Length of Work Year:

This position is limited to the number of student in-school days each year plus three professional development days.

Please note:

We encourage internal movements that increase innovation, and encourage employees to stay and grow within our District. Please note that all assignments are subject to change based on the needs of the District. Additionally, school year positions, both certified and non-certified, posted during the school year are temporary unless otherwise indicated to allow for internal movement at the close of the respective school year.