Specialized Educational Assistant/Paraprofessional

Young World Physical Education; Middleborough (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

READS Academy is seeking a Specialized Educational Assistant to provide direct intervention and support for PreK-12+ students within the READS Academy locations in Middleboro, MA. The role emphasizes trauma-informed approaches and adherence to student support plans to aid social-emotional learning and academic progress.

As part of a collaborative team with teachers, counselors, and program leaders, you will implement interventions, assist with incident reporting, and help students transition

Qualifications

• Two years of public school or related work experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Google Suite applications for learning and data collection.
• High School diploma required.
• Familiarity with technology for student learning and data collection.
• Commitment to positively impacting the lives of children and young adults.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop a positive rapport with students.
• Contribute to a learning environment where all students and staff participate.
• Collaborate with Academy staff to tailor interventions for social-emotional and academic growth.
• Consistently implement Student Support Plans with staff.
• Participate in case management and data meetings to inform interventions.
• Support transitions and coordinate additional support with teachers.
• Assist in maintaining classroom environment and school materials.
• Follow school procedures for emergencies in coordination with teachers and leaders.

Skills

Google Suite

Trauma-informed approach

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Data collection tech

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Specialized Educational Assistant/Paraprofessional

READS Collaborative READS Academy - Middleboro, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5848869

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 23, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 26, 2026

Job Description

Specialized Educational Assistant - READS Academy

READS Collaborative encourages applications from a full range of diverse and talented candidates.

READS Collaborative reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive workplace that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, homelessness, status as a veteran, limited English-speaking ability or any other protected class under the law in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its program or activities.

You may request this job description in a language other than English by contacting [e-mail].

Overview: The Specialized Educational Assistant (hereto - Assistant) will provide direct intervention and support to students in PreK - 12+ Academy locations to support social emotional learning models of intervention and support academic learning. Assistants are responsible for implementing student support plans, engaging students through a trauma-informed approach, utilizing training protocols in intervention and supporting student Academic learning following modifications and accommodations in students' IEPs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students who experience challenges in regulating their emotions, exhibit challenges in social interactions or have a history of trauma, preferred.
• Two (2) years of public school or related work experience, preferred.
• High School diploma required.
• Familiarity with the use of technology for student learning and data collection.
• Familiarity with Google suite of applications.
• Ability to be flexible in assignments and responsibilities each day.
• Commitment to positively impacting the lives of children and young adults.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to contribute as a member of a team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is expected and is not an exhaustive list of the responsibilities of this position. In coordination with Teachers, Counselors, Specialist and Program Leaders:

• Develop a positive rapport with students.
• Contribute to a learning environment that welcomes all students and staff to fully participate in the life of the school.
• Collaborate with Academy staff to regularly adjust practice and approaches to provide the best intervention and support for social emotional, mental health and academic growth of students.
• Consistently implement Student Support Plans in collaboration with Academy staff.
• Complete incident reports, in digital form, that include all elements when needed.
• Participate in Case Management, Data Team and other meetings to utilize data to serve as measurable indicators of success to inform classroom intervention.
• Participate in case management and student support meetings.
• Practice and implement protocols learned in training and professional development regarding interventions and supports for children facing social-emotional challenges, mental health concerns and trauma recovery.
• Substitute for classroom teachers, as needed and as assigned, to continue instruction and intervention in a teacher's absence.
• Provide intervention and support to students as they transition to activities and locations throughout the school.
• Provide intervention and support to students who are included in general education classes and coordinate any additional support needed for success with the Academy teacher.
• Assist in maintaining the school/classroom environment and school materials and supplies.
• Implement school procedures for all emergency situations in coordination with the teachers and leaders.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and/or her designee.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, families, and host school personnel. Must be capable of independently implementing student interventions under the direction of the classroom teacher, counselor, specialists, or program director. Must be able to respond promptly to calls for assistance throughout the school building and surrounding areas. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel to various locations as required to perform assigned duties. The employee must be physically capable of performing all essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical demands may include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, and assisting with the physical management of students. The position also requires the ability to safely implement approved physical intervention and restraint techniques, when necessary, with students up to age 22, in accordance with READS Collaborative policies, training, and applicable state regulations.

Terms of Employment

Educational Support Personnel (ESP) Bargaining Unit Position: 183 days

Benefits apply to this position per the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Rate of pay TBD based on qualifications and experience

Compensation differential for candidates with a Bachelor's Degree

Salary: $32,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $32,000 to $47,000 Per Year

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Welcome to READS Academy

READS Academy is a substantially separate, day-school program that offers therapeutic, behavioral, and academic services to students in Grades K-12 who demonstrate a range of emotional/behavioral/learning/neuro-develomental disabilities. The Academy is a highly structured program that offers individualized and small-group academic instruction, individual and group counseling, and behavioral support and intervention. Ancillary therapeutic services such as speech/language therapy, occupational/physical therapy, adaptive physical education are also available. As a public school program, READS Academy follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and all students participate in MCAS testing. The school operates on a 10-month calendar with an optional 6-week summer component.

Equal Opportunity Employer

READS Collaborative reaffirms that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, homelessness, status as a veteran, limited English-speaking ability or any other protected class under the law in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its program or activities. Consistent with M.G.L. Chapter 76, Section 5, READS Collaborative also affirms the commitment to maintain a school and work environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, homelessness, status as a veteran or limited English-speaking ability. Any harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, homelessness, status as a veteran or limited English-speaking ability will not be tolerated and will be punishable to the full extent of the law.Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), READS Collaborative will provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability. The request for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director via email [e-mail] or 508-947-3634 x103.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Amy Saraiva , Program Director
• 44 Bedford Street
• Middleboro, Massachusetts 02346
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]