Special Education Paraprofessional

Fergus Falls Public Schools; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 27,896 - 30,444; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance contributions

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

403b and pension plan

Sick and personal leave

Job summary

A local public school district seeks a dedicated special education paraprofessional for a full-time role supporting special needs students. Responsibilities will include assisting in instructional processes, recording student progress, and addressing health needs. A high school diploma and relevant experience are required. This position offers an hourly wage of $20.25–$22.10 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The district promotes equal opportunities and values diversity among applicants.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent with preferred college or tech courses.
• Experience in educational work or human services is desired.
• Willingness to assist special needs students in various growth areas.

Responsibilities

• Assist in instruction and supervision of special needs students.
• Record progress in academic and behavioral areas as directed.
• Provide assistance for health and physical needs of students.

Skills

Experience in educational work or human services

Desire to assist special needs students

Flexibility to adapt to changing job assignments

Education

High school graduate or equivalent with two years college or tech courses

Job description

Date Posted: 4/21/2025

Location: Fergus Falls Public Schools

Position Type: Support Staff / Special Education Paraprofessional

The Fergus Falls Public School District is seeking to fill a special education paraprofessional position. This position is 6.5 hours/day during student contact days, plus 2 additional days. Hourly pay ranges from $20.25-$22.10/hour - with opportunity for longevity pay.

This position has a benefit package that includes contributions towards health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, 403b, pension plan; along with sick and personal leave.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school graduate or equivalent with two years college or tech courses preferred.
• Experience in educational work or human services.
• A desire and interest in assisting the special needs student to reach their maximum growth; socially, emotionally, vocationally, physically, and academically.
• Such alternatives as to the above qualifications as the school board may find appropriate and acceptable.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• The ability to work with others to create a positive academic experience.
• The ability to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Flexibility is required to adapt to changing job assignments to meet the needs of the school district.

JOB GOAL

To implement programs designed to meet the individual needs of the special students. Program areas include: 1) daily living skills; 2) pre-academic; 3) academic; 4) vocational; 5) recreational; 6) behavioral; 7) medical; 8) other.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• As directed by the teacher, to assist in the instruction and supervise the special needs students in educational programs that support the goals of the Individual Education Plan (IEP), to assist in the implementation of decisions which will meet the mental, physical, emotional, and social needs of every student, to assist in achieving the goals established by the professional team. These tasks may include the areas of:
  • Assist in teaching basic living skills.
  • Assist in instructing special needs students and adapting materials for mainstream classrooms.
  • Assist in instructing special needs students in special classrooms.
  • Supervising students in special classrooms.
  • Supervising students in the lunchroom, on the playground, field trips, bus and van loading and unloading.
  • If applicable, educate self, students and others in signed English of words, alphabet and numbers.
  • Job coach at student's worksite.
• To record student's progress in academic and behavioral areas as directed.
  • Maintain data privacy and confidentiality of students.
  • Alert professional staff about any specific situation that may need documentation.
  • Attend IEP meetings at teacher's request.
  • Assist with periodic reports.
• To provide assistance for the health and physical needs of students as well as carrying out plans as directed. Health needs may include:
  • Tube feeding, stomas, catheterizing.
  • Handling seizures and other medical emergencies.
  • Administer medications that are authorized by the school nurse.
  • Assist in carrying out the physical and occupational therapy plan as directed.
• Physical needs may include:
  • Toileting, diapering, other personal hygiene needs.
  • Feeding and giving liquids.
  • Lifting, carrying, and transporting students.
• Miscellaneous duties as directed by the teacher.
  • Prepare audiovisual material and operate equipment.
  • Prepare classroom displays and bulletin boards.
  • Assist substitute teachers and/or paraprofessionals in orienting them to the programs.
  • Assist students using computers.
• Attend trainings and/or workshops as required.

Application deadline: Open until filled

Start Date: Immediate

EEO STATEMENT

The Fergus Falls Public School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.

Accommodation

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR at [e-mail] or call 218-998-0544, ext. 9010.

Background Check Upon Conditional Offer

Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required. Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.

Veteran’s Preference

Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.

Fergus Falls Public Schools are a tobacco‑free workplace.