Special Education Paraprofessionals

Independent School District 197; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 31,974 - 34,316; Full time

Job summary

Independent School District 197 in Harrisburg seeks a paraprofessional to assist students in special and regular education classrooms. The role includes responsibilities such as reinforcing learning, assisting teachers with educational strategies, and supervising and supporting students during various activities. Candidates should have post-secondary training in education, be able to lift weights, and communicate effectively. This position offers a wage of $23.21-24.91 based on the Paraprofessional Agreement and requires the ability to handle behaviorally challenging situations.

Qualifications

• Ability to tolerate frequent bending and lifting.
• Ability to work with behaviorally challenging students.
• Experience in education or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reinforce learning of skills introduced by teachers.
• Assist in devising strategies for reinforcing skills.
• Guide independent and remedial work set by teachers.

Skills

Two or more years post‑secondary training in education or related field

Ability to work as a team member

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Effective communication skills

Experience working with individuals with disabilities

Job description

Location: TBD

Hours: M-F varies hours (5.75 - 6.25 hrs/day)

Wage: $23.21-24.91 as per the Paraprofessional Agreement

Start Date: 2026-27 School Year

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.

Qualifications

• Two or more years post‑secondary training in education or a related field or pass the Para Pro Assessment
• Ability to work as a team member with staff and parents.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. (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 preferred.

Job Duties

• Working with student or small groups of students to reinforce learning of skills introduced by teachers.
• Assisting the teacher(s) in devising strategies for reinforcing skills based on sympathy.
• 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 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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.