Special Education Paraprofessional - Elementary (25-26 School Year)

Fort Smith Public Schools; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional for the upcoming school year. This vital role involves collaborating with teachers to implement instructional activities, providing one-on-one support to students with special needs, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a genuine passion for helping children succeed. Join a supportive team committed to prioritizing student needs and making a positive impact in the lives of young learners. This position offers a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to the educational journey of students in a dynamic school setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in educational settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers to support lesson plans.
• Assist students with special needs in classroom activities.
• Maintain communication with teachers and parents.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Patience

Flexibility

Passion for working with children

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

60 college hours or Paraprofessional Praxis Exam

Job description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED - WILL BEGIN INTERVIEWING IN MAY 2025

POSITION TITLE: Special Education Paraprofessional - Elementary (25-26 School Year)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Principal and Classroom Teacher

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: A full contract for this position is 190 days, with benefits as specified in employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on actual start date.

LOCATION: Multiple locations; district wide.

BEGINNING: 25-26 School Year

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 60 college hours or has passed the Paraprofessional Praxis Exam
• Experience working with students in an educational setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of instructional methods and strategies, especially for students with special needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience, flexibility, and a passion for working with children.

DISTRICT VALUES

• We will always put student needs first.
• We believe relationships matter.
• We expect accountability.
• We operate with transparency.
• We prioritize student and staff safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement instructional activities and support lesson plans.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials.
• Provide one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring their participation in classroom activities.
• Assist students with tasks such as classroom assignments, tests, and projects.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for all students.
• Support positive behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher or special education team, if requested.
• Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or behavior plans for students with special needs, if requested.
• Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, and mobility, as needed.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as nurses or occupational therapists, to implement specific care plans.
• Maintain open and effective communication with teachers, parents, and other school staff regarding student progress and needs.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, including special ed specific training, as required.
• Monitor students during various activities, including in the classroom, gym, on the playground, lunch, and during transitions.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Implement accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs, in collaboration with the teacher and special education team, if needed.
• Work additional hours as directed.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Present and communicate in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others.
• Supervise students on recess, bus, during before and after school duty, on field trips, extracurricular events, and in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Attend trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned by administration.

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, squatting.