Special Education Paraprofessional - Thrive Program

Independent School District 197; Mendota Heights (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent School District 197 is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students under the supervision of a teacher at Friendly Hills Middle School. The role focuses on assisting instructional activities in classrooms, reinforcing skills, and ensuring safety during daily routines.

The position requires a two-year degree or Parapro Assessment, PCA training provided, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Two year degree or Parapro Assessment.
• PCA training provided.
• Ability to work as a team member with staff and parents.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to support student's full body weight up to adult size.
• Ability to tolerate frequent bending and lifting.
• Ability to work with behaviorally challenging students including those who may be physically and verbally aggressive, effective communication skills.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the teacher/s in devising strategies for reinforcing skills based on sympathetic.
• Intercultural competence in supporting diverse students.
• Understanding of students' needs, interests and abilities.
• Guiding independent study and remedial work set by teachers.
• Assisting with large group activities like drill work and reading aloud.
• Supervising wash-up and toilet routines including lifting and transferring students.
• Supervising students to/from bus and in the building as needed.
• Applying behavior management techniques as directed by teachers.
• Completing clerical tasks related to students.

Skills

Two-year degree

Parapro Assessment

PCA training

Team collaboration

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Working with diverse students

Behavior management

Education

Two-year degree or Parapro Assessment

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional - Thrive Program JobID: 6237

• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Location: Friendly Hills Middle School

We strongly believe that diversity of experience contributes to a broader collective perspective that will consistently lead to a better school system and better results for all students. We are working hard to increase the diversity of our team wherever we can and we actively encourage all to consider becoming a part of it.

Position:

Special Education Paraprofessional

Location:

Friendly Hills Middle School

Hours:

6.25 hours a day

Line of Authority:

Responsible to the supervising teacher

Primary Function:

To assist student with the instructional process in special education and/or regular education classrooms.

Wage:

$23.92- $25.67/hr per the 2025-2027 Paraprofessional Contract

Qualifications:

• Must have a two year degreeor passedThe Parapro Assessment.
• PCA training will be provided
• Ability to work as a team member with staff and parentss.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs. (and/or up to adult-size body weight with two- to three-person lift).
• Ability to support student's full body weight up to adult size.
• Ability to tolerate frequent bending and lifting.
• Ability to work with behaviorally challenging students including those who may be physically and verbally aggressive, effective communication skills.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, austim, emotional challenges, behavior challenges & trauma.

Job Duties:

• Assisting the teacher/s in devising strategies for reinforcing skills based on sympathetic.
• Intercultural competence, including the ability to effectively support students from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.
• Understanding of students' needs, interests and abilities.
• Guiding independent study, enrichment work and remedial work set up and assigned by the teachers.
• Assisting with large group activities such as drill work, reading aloud, storytelling and field trips.
• Assisting and supervising student's wash-up and toilet routines including lifting and transferring student.
• Assisting and supervising student to/from bus and in the building as needed.
• Carrying out behavior management techniques necessary to maintain classroom order as instructed by the teacher/s.
• Completion of clerical tasks related to students to whom assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

It is the policy, practice, and commitment of District 197 to provide equal employment opportunities for all people without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Please contact human resources if you need financial assistance for your pre-employment screening.