Special Education Paraprofessional - Essential Skills (2026-2027)

Willard R-2 School District; Norwalk (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Willard R-2 School District is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional - Essential Skills for the 2026-2027 school year. This hourly, non-certified position supports supervising teachers and building principals, with emphasis on confidentiality, organization, and professionalism.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, MO NESINC paraprofessional credentials or 60 college hours, CPI certification if not already completed, and the ability to assist students with disabilities

Qualifications

• Requires HS diploma or GED and meets state requirements for instructional paraprofessionals.
• Includes 60 college hours or passing the paraprofessional assessment per MO/ NESINC requirements.
• Candidate demonstrates strong communication, organization, time management, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist in organizing environment to promote learning.
• Assist in managing behavior of individuals or small groups.
• Assist in managing learning of individuals or small groups.
• Accept direction from supervising staff.
• Assist students with disabilities with toileting and eating as needed.
• Demonstrate understanding of instructional methods and classroom management.
• Maintain professional conduct with students and staff.
• Complete in-service hours as required by state plan.
• Abide by confidentiality mandates.
• Take initiative and demonstrate leadership when needed.
• Support supervisory staff to ensure engaging, safe classroom activities.

Skills

Communication

Team attitude

Mobility/physical

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

HS diploma or GED

60 college hours or paraprofessional test

CPI training certification

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional - Essential Skills (2026-2027) JobID: 2979

Position:

Special Education Paraprofessional - Essential Skills - Willard Orchard Hills Elementary

Qualifications:

• 1. High School diploma or GED required
• 2. Meets all requirements outlined by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as it pertains to an instructional paraprofessional; which includes 60 college hours or passing the paraprofessional assessment--see more information at http://www.mo.nesinc.com/Home.aspx
• 3. Excellent written, oral, organizational, time management and communication skills
• 4. Ability to work with students with disabilities
• 5. Team attitude
• 6. Ability to lift 60lbs.
• 7. Completion of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification course - if not completed district does offer on-site course.
• 8. Must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the Board of Education.

General Summary:

This position provides assistance to one or multiple supervising teachers and/or building principal. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are important. It is equally important to be goal driven and maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality while adhering to Board Policy.

Performance Responsibilities:

• 1. Assist in the organization environment to promote learning
• 2. Assist in the management of individual or small group behavior
• 3. Assist in the management of individual or small group learning
• 4. Accept direction from supervisors (including supervising teacher)
• 5. Willingness to assist students with disabilities with toileting skills, as needed
• 6. Willingness to assist students with disabilities with eating, as needed
• 7. Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of instructional methods and techniques of classroom control to be an effective instructional assistant
• 8. Conducts themselves in a professional manner when dealing with students, immediate teacher/supervisor(s), and other faculty members
• 9. Must complete in-service hours in accordance with the Missouri State Plan for Special Education. District will provide these hours.
• 10. Understands and abides by confidentiality mandates
• 11. Takes initiative in situations calling for leadership; as needed

Type of Position:

Hourly, Non - Certified

Reports To:

Director of Special Services

Evaluated By:

Supervisory Special Services Teacher, Building Principal, Assistant Director, and Director of Special Services

Term:

180 Days (additional days when appropriate) At-Will Employee