Special Education Paraprofessional

Mansfield City School District; Mansfield (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mansfield City School District is seeking a full-time Special Education Paraprofessional for Sherman Elementary School for the 2026-2027 year. The role assists the teacher with individual and small-group instruction, supports students' physical and/or medical needs, and follows established procedures and requirements.

Candidates should meet the Ohio Paraprofessional Standards, be able to obtain an Ohio Education Aide permit, and commit to at least 15 hours of yearly in-service training.

Qualifications

• Two years of higher education or an Associate Degree as required by the State of Ohio.
• Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Ohio Education Aide permit must be obtained or secured.
• Commitment to attend 15 hours of in-service training each school year.
• Knowledge of the special needs conditions of students as relayed by the teacher.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in activities determined by the teacher.
• Work with individuals or small groups to reinforce learning.
• Assist with student assessment and behavior charting.
• Support language development and sign language as needed.
• Assist in classroom preparations and reinforce instructional materials.
• Supervise students during playtime/recess and field trips.
• Help with medication administration logistics under proper authority.
• Aid in moving and positioning students and assisting with mobility.

Skills

Reading instruction

Writing instruction

Mathematics instruction

In-service training

Fine motor skills

Independent judgment

Team collaboration

Cafeteria assistance

Mobility assistance

Behavior management support

Education

Two years of college education or Associate Degree

Ohio Education Aide permit

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

There is a full-time Special Education Paraprofessional position available at Sherman Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year.

Assist the teacher in working with individual and small groups of students to achieve learning objectives as devised by the teacher, provide for the physical and/or medically related needs of the students, and, as directed, perform a wide variety of tasks, following standard practices and procedures and complying with administrative requirements.

Qualifications

• The State of Ohio Paraprofessional Standards require "two years of education at an institution of higher learning OR an Associate Degree (or higher) OR demonstration through a formal state or local assessment, knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics."
• Possess or be able to secure a valid Ohio Education Aide permit from the Ohio Department of Education.
• Willingness to attend a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of job-related in-service training each school year.
• Knowledge and understanding of the special needs condition(s) of student(s), as relayed by the teacher.
• Must be able to stand and sit for prolonged periods of time; bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift 25 pounds by herself/himself, and up to 50 pounds with the help of another staff person.
• Possess the fine motor skills to assist the teacher and students with cutting, pasting, arranging materials, or using manipulatives to complete individual projects or class arrangements.
• Demonstrated experience in a position requiring the use of independent judgment and discretion.
• Experience functioning in a position or organization requiring group or team effort toward a goal.
• Exhibit skills or a willingness to learn the various skills necessary to meet the physical needs of the students, which may include toileting assistance for some students.
• Willingness to assist students in the cafeteria, as necessary, with food selection, actual consumption of food, and clean-up after the meal.
• The ability to work inside and outside in all weather to assist students with a handicapping condition, embark or debark the building or transportation vehicles.

Duties/Performance Responsibilities

• Assist students in performing activities that have been determined by the teacher.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assist with student assessment.
• Observe learning difficulties and report such matters to the teacher.
• Assist in the development of receptive and expressive language.
• Adequately learn to use sign language for selected hearing-impaired or non-verbal students.
• Assist the teacher in charting behavior.
• Assist the teacher in behavior management strategies.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assist individual students with cutting and pasting.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Observe students and notify the teacher if adaptive positioning equipment is required.
• Encourage and reinforce positive behavior.
• Accompany students in art and music activities and assist when needed.
• Assist in the supervision of students during playtime/recess and while the teacher is out of the room or working at his/her desk.
• Constructs, copies, distributes, and uses educational materials as needed.
• Ready art materials and assist in art projects.
• Learn to use visual-aid equipment for sight-impaired students.
• Operate media equipment and computer as needed.
• In the absence of a teacher, provide orientation and extra help to the substitute teacher.
• Assist with the collaboration of all students in the building.
• Advise the substitute teacher or the proper authority regarding the time to administer prescribed medication.
• Accompany and assist students to and from the classrooms, library, school office, gymnasium, or lunchroom
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Promote independence
  • Orientation and mobility to the school building and grounds.
  • Promote self-care in the bathroom, lunchroom, gymnasium, and all areas outside as well as inside the classroom.
  • Assist students in moving about the classroom (lock braces, help onto crutches, store crutches, push wheelchair, etc.).

Other Duties/Performance Responsibilities

• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Participate in in-service training programs, as assigned and/or required.
• Abide by the Mansfield City Board of Education policies and regulations.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as may be assigned by the Director of Special Education, the Building Principal, and/or other administrator.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to the supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Working Conditions

Extensive sitting for prolonged periods of time each day. Some stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting of supplies, materials, or assisting students, up to 25 pounds alone or 50 pounds with the help of another staff person.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Conduct

Each staff member shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance and abuse of any prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.

Each staff member shall serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings. Each staff member has a moral responsibility to help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values.

Terms of Employment

Per the Mansfield City Schools Board of Education/Mansfield School Employees Association Negotiated Agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Mansfield City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identification or sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by law.