Special Education Paraprofessional

DOUGLAS Public Schools; Douglas (MA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

DOUGLAS Public Schools in Douglas, Massachusetts seeks a Special Education Paraprofessional to provide academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support to students across settings. Starting date is immediately; pay range is $17.60–$23.33 per hour under the DESPA agreement.

Responsibilities include supporting classroom teachers, assisting with personal care, supervising transitions, and recording progress aligned with IEPs and 504 plans. Strong communication and reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• ParaPro exam preferred.
• Ability to work with students under direction of teachers and staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with students and adults.
• Experience supporting students with personal care and daily living skills.
• Familiarity with IEPs and 504 plans is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provides overall support and accommodations to student(s) and the classroom teacher(s) based on IEP/504 needs under supervision.
• Provides direct assistance to students to manage personal care.
• Supervision and support during specials, recess, lunch, and field trips as per IEP.
• Implements instruction and maintains documentation on outcomes.
• Adapts assistance when strategies are not successful with guidance from teachers.
• Uses knowledge of learning styles to aid student progress and independence.
• Provides crisis support per district protocols when necessary.
• Assists with conducting student assessments as directed by teachers.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Supervises students during transitions and assigned blocks.
• Uses computer technology for tasks as required.
• Works with administration and complies with policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the principal/supervisor.

Skills

Clear communication

Student support experience

Behavior management

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree preferred

Tools

ParaPro exam

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional

Douglas Public Schools Douglas High School - Douglas, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5930556

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 17, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

The pay range for this position is $17.60 per hour to $23.33 per hour in accordance with the terms of the DESPA collective bargaining agreement.

JOB TITLE: Paraprofessional

JOB SUMMARY: The Paraprofessional works closely with the classroom teacher to provide academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support and interventions to all students in all settings, including general education classrooms and substantially separate classrooms.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) CLASSIFICATION: This position is classified as Non-Exempt

REPORTING STRUCTURE: The Paraprofessional reports to the Director of Special Education and Student Support Services and the Building Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Graduate or GED required; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• ParaPro exam preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to work with students on academic tasks, under the direction of the teacher, nurse and/or support staff;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing to students and adults;
• Experience and willingness to provide direct assistance to students to manage personal care and to improve daily life skills;
• Demonstrated familiarity with student instructional and disciplinary procedures;
• Ability to monitor students’ safety and security;
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and in conformity with district requirements and state and federal law.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides overall support and accommodations to student (s) and the classroom teacher (s) based on the needs of the classroom and the students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, if applicable, under the supervision and direction of the member(s) student support services team and/or classroom teacher;
2. Provides direct assistance to students to manage personal care.
3. Provides supervision and support during specials, recess, lunch, and transportation (field trips) as documented in the student’s IEP;
4. Implements instruction prepared and/or modified by teachers or related service providers to identified students and maintains appropriate documentation on outcomes of instruction;
5. Recognizes when teaching/learning and behavioral strategies are not successful and seeks the guidance of the classroom teacher(s) and specialist(s) to adapt assistance accordingly;
6. Incorporates knowledge of student learning styles, child development, skills/knowledge acquisition rates of the student(s) to whom assigned, to assist student learning and to foster independence. Assists with Observations and recording academic, behavioral and social data to measure progress;
7. With district provided training, provides support in crisis situations using district-approved crisis management and physical management protocols when necessary;
8. Assists with conducting student assessments as directed by classroom teacher(s);
9. Maintains confidentiality;
10. Supervises students during transitions and during assigned time blocks;
11. Utilizes computer technology for required and assigned tasks, as necessary;
12. Works effectively with school administration, complies with school department procedures and school committee policies;
13. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the building principal and/or supervisor.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a classroom setting; ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating, etc.; Work involves moderate physical exertion, such as walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and carrying objects; Manual dexterity required to manipulate objects.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Welcome to Douglas High School

We offer diverse learning experiences that meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional needs of all students. We provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment in which students may achieve academic success and personal growth.

Job Requirements

• At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Robert Ringuette , High School Principal
• 33 Davis Street
• Douglas, Massachusetts 01516
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]