Special Education Paraprofessional (26-27 SY)
BROAD RIVER ELEMENTARY – Beaufort, South Carolina
Job ID: 5841935 | Application Deadline: Posted until filled | Posted: Jul 20, 2026
Position Purpose
Under direct supervision of the assigned teacher, assists in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities, helping with classroom programs, self‑help, behavior management, and instruction. Works with the certified teacher(s) to implement student IEPs.
Essential Functions
- Assist teacher(s) in preparation of student work, workstations, and classroom displays.
- Assist in maintaining a classroom environment favorable to learning and the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Learn and adapt to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
- Assist teacher(s) and/or other personnel in implementing the student IEP goals, objectives, and adaptations of the curriculum.
- Establish a supportive relationship with the student(s) without intense emotional involvement; encourage performance and interact appropriately.
- Assist with student supervision during free time, lunch, playground activities, and bus duty.
- Assist with managing student behavior and crisis intervention, including restraining disruptive or dangerous physical behavior as needed.
- Assist students with individualized needs such as transferring to/from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, personal hygiene, feeding, and providing escort or other ancillary support.
- Assist the teacher in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategies for reinforcing behavior or academic skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students’ needs, interests, and abilities.
- Maintain data collection documentation related to student academic, social, and behavioral progress.
- Adjust instruction on the spot when necessary and communicate daily progress to teacher(s); alert teacher to special needs.
- Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers in the absence of the regular teacher.
- Assist in preparing and maintaining required reports, records, and other documentation.
- Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
- Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as directed.
- Maintain high ethical standards and strict confidentiality of student information; uphold school rules, regulations, and relevant laws and policies.
- Participate in district-sponsored paraprofessional training opportunities, including CPR, first aid, feeding, lifting techniques, Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention, SAFETY CARE, disability‑specific trainings, Applied Behavior Analysis, and/or assistive technology (maximum 40‑hour work week).
Additional Duties
Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or other district office administrator.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two‑year college or technical school.
- Or 60 college credit hours from an accredited college or university.
- Or satisfactory score on the Educational Testing Service ParaPro Assessment.
Experience
Knowledge of basic computer operations, use of the Internet and Microsoft Office applications, and skill in using general office equipment (calculators, typewriters, copiers). Familiarity with assistive equipment such as wheelchair lifts, ramps, Hoyer lifts, Gait trainers, and other assistive technology.
Other Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge and understanding of children with disabilities.
- Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
- Willingness to follow directions.
- Ability to assess and resolve unforeseen situations in accordance with district policy or guidelines.
- Acceptance of individual differences among children.
- Self‑starter, self‑directed, and able to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Physical Demands
Include climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching with hands/arms, standing for extended periods, walking, handling objects, and operating tools. Must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and frequently lift up to 25 pounds. May involve toileting, feeding, personal hygiene, and other care tasks. Use of hand/arm and fingers for operating equipment and controls. Must communicate effectively in English; American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered.
Workplace Expectations
- Work effectively with and respond to diverse cultures or backgrounds.
- Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- Follow all District policies, work procedures, and reasonable requests by proper authorities.
Reports To
Principal
DAYS PER YEAR
182
SALARY CLASSIFICATION
Paid on the Classified Salary Schedule Level 105
EMPLOYEE GROUP
Classified
FLSA STATUS
Non‑Exempt
Equal Opportunity
The Beaufort County School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information
- Sonji Leach
- 2900 Mink Point Blvd., Beaufort, South Carolina 29901
- Phone: 843-322-0785
- Email: sonji.leach@beaufortschools.org