Special Education Paraprofessional - Transitions Program

West Springfield Public Schools; West Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

West Springfield Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional for the Transitions Program at West Springfield High School in West Springfield, MA. The role supports students with disabilities toward independence across classrooms, job sites, and community-based instruction, under supervision of the transition teacher.

The position involves promoting daily living, social communication, self-advocacy, and workplace readiness while ensuring safety and dignity for all learners.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to stay calm and implement behavior support strategies.
• Commitment to promoting independence, dignity and inclusion for all students.
• Willingness to transport students using district vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Support teacher-led lessons and activities in classroom, vocational, and community environments.
• Provide direct support to students in real-world settings such as job sites and travel training.
• Assist students in developing independent living, social, and work-related skills aligned with IEP goals.
• Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in student IEPs.
• Use de-escalation strategies and provide behavioral support as needed.
• Support identified students with toileting needs.
• Monitor and document student progress under teacher supervision.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, job sites, and other service providers.
• Transport students in district vehicles, as needed, for program activities.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Behavior support

Dignity and inclusion

Education

Associate degree or 48 college credits

WorkKeys assessment

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional - Transitions Program

West Springfield Public Schools West Springfield High School - West Springfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5863978

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 31, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Job Description

Special Education Paraprofessional-Transitions

Transitions Program

Position Summary: The 18–22 Transitions Special Education Paraprofessional supports young adults with disabilities as they work toward greater independence in postsecondary, vocational, and community settings. This role involves assisting the transition teacher in delivering instruction and supporting students in achieving their IEP goals across various settings, including the classroom, job sites, and community-based instruction. The paraprofessional helps promote student growth in daily living skills, social communication, self-advocacy, and workplace readiness, while ensuring safety and dignity for all learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teacher-led lessons and activities in classroom, vocational, and community environments
• Provide direct support to students in real-world settings such as job sites, volunteer placements, and travel training
• Assist students in developing independent living, social, and work-related skills aligned with their IEP goals
• Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in student IEPs
• Use de-escalation strategies and provide behavioral support as needed
• Support identified students with toileting needs
• Monitor and document student progress under teacher supervision
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment
• Support student participation in social, recreational, and transitional activities
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, job sites, and other service providers
• Transport students in district vehicles, as needed, for program activities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate degree, or a minimum of 48 college credits, or successful completion of the WorkKeys assessment (Associate degree preferred)
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to transport students in a school or program vehicle
• Demonstrated aptitude for supporting individuals with disabilities in educational or community settings
• Experience working with young adults with special needs, especially those with developmental, intellectual, or emotional disabilities
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and implement behavior support strategies
• Commitment to promoting independence, dignity, and inclusion for all students
• This position may require physical activity including walking, lifting, or assisting students
• Regular travel within the community and to job sites is required
• Supervision provided by special education staff
• Training in Safety Care, first aid, and other relevant protocols may be required

Salary: Per Unit D Contract (Salary range:$18.67/hour - $23.96/hour)

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Welcome to West Springfield High School

West Springfield High School is a dynamic learning organization committed to student achievement and continuous improvement. We strive to create a personalized learning community that emphasizes equity and access so that students demonstrate high levels of academic mastery. Our faculty believes in the importance of rigor, relevance,reflection and relationships in teaching and learning.

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Springfield Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis.of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran’sstatus, sexual orientation, genetic information, neurodiversity, gender identity or expression,marital status, or any other class protected by state, federal, or local laws. Equal Opportunityapplies to all areas of employment including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer,termination, layoff, compensation, benefits and all other conditions and privileges ofemployment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Job Requirements

• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Megan Bajor
• 11 Central Street
• West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]