Special Education Paraprofessional

Northview Public Schools Highlands Middle School; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Northview Public Schools Highlands Middle School in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking a part-time Special Education Paraprofessional to support students under the guidance of licensed staff. The role focuses on instructional, behavioral, social, and daily living needs to help students access the curriculum and meet IEP goals.

The successful candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent (associate degree preferred), strong communication and collaborative skills, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience with children or school settings preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Patience and empathy when working with diverse learners.
• Organizational and multitasking abilities are important.
• Willingness to collaborate with teachers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Support teacher in delivering lessons and reinforcing concepts.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support to students.
• Supervise students during activities, recess, and meals.
• Assist with classroom management and behavior strategies as directed.
• Maintain records of student progress and attendance.
• Prepare instructional materials and organize the classroom.
• Communicate with teachers, parents and staff about student progress.
• Participate in training to support IEP/health/PBSP plans.
• Provide direct support for medical and personal care needs.
• Assist with activities of daily living as per care plans.
• Handle other tasks as assigned by the teacher or administration.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Organization

Collaboration

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's degree in education

Job description

Northview Public Schools Highlands Middle School - Grand Rapids, Michigan Open in Google Maps

Special Education Paraprofessional

This job is also posted in Kent ISD , and Northview Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5931169

Application Deadline: Oct 01, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Sep 17, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional

Under the direction of a certified Special Education Teacher and/or assigned administrator, the Special Education Paraprofessional provides support to student(s) in special education or general education settings. This role is essential in assisting students with instructional, behavioral, social, emotional, and daily living/personal care needs to help them access their curriculum and achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Qualifications

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate's degree or college coursework in education or a related field, preferred.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children, such as in childcare, camp, or volunteer setting, is often preferred. Experience in a school environment is advantageous.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effectively interacting with students, teachers, parents, and other school staff.
• Patience and Empathy: The ability to work patiently with students of different abilities and backgrounds, and to empathize with their challenges, is crucial for building a positive learning environment.
• Organization and Multitasking: Paraprofessionals must be well-organized, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and adapt to changing needs in the classroom.
• Collaboration: A willingness to work collaboratively with teachers and other educational professionals to support student success is important.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Classroom Instruction: Assist the teacher in delivering lessons and activities, reinforcing concepts taught in the classroom.
• Individualized Assistance: Provide one-on-one or small group support to students who need extra help or have unique learning needs.
• Supervision: Monitor students during classroom activities, recess (both indoor and outdoor), lunchtime, and other school-related events to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Classroom Management: Support the Special Education Teacher and/or General Education Teacher, as directed, to maintain a conducive learning environment in the classroom, implementing behavior management strategies as directed by the teacher.
• Record-Keeping: Assist in maintaining records of student progress, attendance, and other administrative tasks as required.
• Materials Preparation: Help prepare instructional materials, set up equipment, and organize the classroom environment for effective learning.
• Communication: Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other educational professionals to provide updates on student progress and address concerns.
• Training: Willingness to participate in additional training to develop skills/strategies to support students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), health plans and/or Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs).
• Medical: Provide direct support to students/clients with medical, physical, and personal care needs while promoting dignity, safety, and independence.
• Personal Care: Assist with activities of daily living, including toileting, hygiene, dressing, feeding, mobility, positioning, and transfers in accordance with individualized care plans.
• Other tasks as assigned by the special education teacher, building administrator, and/or Director of Special Services.

Terms

• Building assignment:Highlands Middle School (5-6 building)
• Maximum of 15 hours per week
• This position follows the terms and benefits outlined in the Paraprofessional Agreement.
• Evaluated annually by the building administration and/or the Director of Special Services.
• Posted until 10/01/2026 OR UNTIL FILLED

Position Type: Part-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Tina Hendrick
• 4365 Hunsberger Drive Ne
• Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525-6128
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]