Special Education Paraprofessional

Russellville School District; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Russellville School District is seeking a paraprofessional at Oakland Heights Elementary to support students and teachers in the classroom. The role follows lesson plans, may involve personal care, and requires a high school diploma or GED with potential for bilingual Spanish candidates.

Candidate must pass a background check, be able to lift 45–50 lbs, and have basic computer skills. CPR/First Aid/AED certifications must be kept current. Hours: 7.5 per day, 185 contract days.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Parapros must show 60 college hours or pass the parapro exam; testing fees are the candidate's responsibility.
• Background check is required and reimbursed after passing.
• Must be able to lift 45-50 lbs and work with students on the floor.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred; proper English grammar required.
• Basic computer skills are required; knowledge of Excel, Word, Google, and Eschool preferred.
• Preschool parapros: Associate’s degree with early childhood hours or CDA; CPR/First Aid/AED every 2 years.

Responsibilities

• May involve personal care for students (bathroom help, feeding).
• Follow and support lesson plans; substitute when needed.
• Support students and teachers in classrooms with academics.
• Maintain confidentiality per FERPA and document timesheets.
• Handle clerical duties and screen visitors per safety procedures.
• Demonstrate professional language and appearance; communicate with parents.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish

Professional communication

Basic computer skills

Excel

Microsoft Word

Google

Eschool knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

60 college hours or parapro exam

Associate’s degree / CDA for preschool parapros

CPR, First Aid, AED certifications (every 2 years)

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

Google

Eschool

Job description

Location: Oakland Heights Elementary

Contract Days: 185, 7.5 hrs/day

The Parapros are directly supervised and evaluated by the administrators at the building/department.

Qualifications of Employment:

High school diploma or GED required

Parapros must provide a transcript showing at least 60 college hours or pass the parapro exam (RSD can provide this parapro exam, but the candidate is responsible for the testing fees)

Pass a background check (RSD will reimburse once passed)

Need to be able to pick up at 45-50 lbs

Must be able to work with students on the floor and get up by themselves

Professional communication skills

All: Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred

Proper grammar usage with English

All: Basic computer skills

Excel, Microsoft Word, Google, Eschool knowledge preferred

Preschool parapros only:

Associate’s degree with at least _____ early childhood hours or obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (have 2 years to obtain this with RSD)

Must obtain the CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications every 2 years

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

May involve personal care for students (bathroom help, feeding, etc)

Follow and teach lesson plans from teachers

Substitute if needed

Ability to be flexible on scheduling, can be placed where needed in the district

Support students and teachers in the classrooms with academics

Showing up to work on time and notifying supervisors immediately when unable to come to work

Restraint & De-escalation training

Active supervision of students: walk around, communicate with students, etc.

May need to grade student work

Preparing and maintaining materials/resources needed

Uphold confidentiality - FERPA

Mandated Reporter

Clerical duties such as filing, data entry, phone calls, copies, assisting with Eschool

Screen visitors and follow any RSD safety procedures

Maintaining, distribution, and record keeping for any devices (laptops, ipads, etc)

Demonstrate professional and polite language and appearance

Parent communication regarding students

Participate in the RSD annual professional development with contract days

Follow all RSD policies and procedures

Be responsible for correctly documenting timesheets and any other documentation

Other duties as assigned

7.5 hrs/day (Example Schedules):

7:30 - 3:30 with 30 minute lunch (unpaid) + 2 fifteen minute paid breaks

7:45 - 3:45 with 30 minute lunch (unpaid) + 2 fifteen minute paid breaks

8:00 - 4:00 with 30 minute lunch (unpaid) + 2 fifteen minute paid breaks

RSD Positions (include but not limited to the following):