Special Education Paraprofessional — Help Students Succeed

Benton Harbor Area Schools; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Benton Harbor Area Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities across various school buildings. You will assist with instructional delivery, adapt materials, and support behavior plans under the direction of SPED staff and building principals.

The role emphasizes collaboration with therapists, family engagement, and maintaining confidentiality while helping students achieve IEP goals in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Education: at least two years of college or passing Parapro test.
• Experience: at least two years working with children.
• Physical ability to assist with mobility or personal care if needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with teachers, therapists, and parents.
• Trauma-informed approach to urban school settings.
• Preferred: Associate degree or higher in Special Education, Psychology, or Human Services.
• Three years of experience in educational settings with disabilities.
• CPI or similar de-escalation training.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one or small group reinforcement of lessons initiated by the Special Education teacher.
• Assist in the implementation of accommodations, modifications, and goals for assigned students (IEP).
• Implement PBIS and individual Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, behavioral incidents, and daily logs for Medicaid/IEPs.
• Assist students with daily living activities as needed by the student's disability.
• Foster a safe, inclusive classroom climate that respects all students.
• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, and Physical Therapists.
• Monitor students during transitions, lunch, recess, and bus unloading.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records (FERPA).

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Resilience

Patience

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

Education

Two years of college (60 semester hours)

Passing ETS Parapro Assessment 460

Associate degree or higher in Special Education / Psychology / Human Services

Job description

Benton Harbor Area Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities across various school buildings. You will assist with instructional delivery, adapt materials, and support behavior plans under the direction of SPED staff and building principals.

The role emphasizes collaboration with therapists, family engagement, and maintaining confidentiality while helping students achieve IEP goals in a supportive, inclusive environment.