Special Education Paraprofessional

New Story Schools; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with 4% match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

New Story Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with developmental and learning differences. You will assist teachers, promote engagement, and help students build confidence, independence, and life skills in a structured setting.

You will work closely with educators, BCBA professionals, and families to implement IEPs and behavior plans while maintaining confidentiality and accurate documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience supporting children or individuals with autism or related needs.
• Experience in structured educational or group environments.
• Familiarity with IEPs, behavior plans, safety plans, and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide small-group classroom support for students with intensive autism needs.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and reinforcement systems under guidance.
• Support management of challenging behaviors using de-escalation strategies.
• Collect and record accurate data on student behavior and progress.
• Maintain a safe, structured classroom and prepare materials for routines.
• Provide supervision in absence of a teacher per established plans.

Skills

Experience supporting children with

Team collaboration

De-escalation techniques

Observation skills

Confidentiality

Willingness to receive feedback

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or bachelor's in education or related field

RBT certification

Job description

As a Special Education Paraprofessional at New Story Schools, you’ll support students with developmental and learning differences in building confidence, independence, and essential life skills. You’ll assist teachers in the classroom, help students stay engaged in their learning, and provide guidance that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition, paraprofessionals may provide classroom coverage and instructional support in the absence of a teacher, ensuring continuity of student learning and maintaining a structured, supportive environment.

What You’ll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous hands-on experience supporting children, adolescents, or individuals with autism, social-emotional or behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities, or other learning, behavioral, emotional, or developmental needs
• Experience in a school, classroom, residential, clinical, childcare, or other structured group environment
• Experience using positive behavioral supports and de-escalation techniques while remaining calm and effective in challenging situations
• Familiarity with and ability to consistently implement IEPs, behavior intervention plans, safety plans, and other individualized protocols
• Strong communication, teamwork, and observational skills, with the ability to collaborate with teachers, BCBAs, service providers, administrators, families, and other professionals
• Willingness to receive and apply feedback, coaching, and direction from supervisors and student support team members
• Professional, dependable, and accountable, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and accurately document progress, behaviors, incidents, and services
• Willingness to complete required training, including crisis prevention/de-escalation and ABA-based practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in education, psychology, behavioral health, special education, or a related field
• Experience working with students with significant behavioral, emotional, social-emotional, developmental, or educational needs
• Experience supporting students with autism or other neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Experience working in a special education or therapeutic school setting
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification
• Paraprofessional certificate or relevant state-recognized credential
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary or student support team
• Experience supporting students with IEPs or other individualized educational plans

What You’ll Do

• Provide small-group classroom support for students with intensive autism needs, including behavioral and skill development
• Implement behavior intervention strategies, reinforcement systems, and instructional activities under teacher and BCBA guidance
• Support the management of challenging behaviors using approved de-escalation strategies
• Collect and record accurate data on student behavior and progress
• Maintain a safe, structured, and organized classroom, including preparing materials and supporting daily routines
• Provide classroom supervision and support in the absence of a teacher, following established plans and procedures
• Follow all safety, documentation, confidentiality, and professional standards

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Enjoy both paid time off and extra paid school breaks (for select roles), plus paid holidays
• Wellness perks including gym discounts, mindfulness apps, and prescription savings
• Tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and leadership training
• 401(k) retirement savings with a 4% company match and immediate vesting
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, life coaching, and mental health resources
• Life insurance, disability coverage, and Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions at no cost to you

At New Story Schools, we serve students ages 5–21 with autism and emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Guided by individualized learning, therapeutic integration, and collaboration, we empower students to grow and prepare for meaningful adult lives. Join our team and help students write their new story.

New Story Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].