Student Support Specialist Paraprofessional

Hopkins-Public-Schools; Hopkins (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopkins Public Schools is seeking a Paraprofessional/ Highly Qualified Paraprofessional to support students at Hopkins West Middle School. The role emphasizes assisting with behavioral and academic outcomes, data entry, and collaboration with families and staff.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED with at least two years of related experience, plus a driver's license. The district emphasizes equity, inclusion, and a supportive school environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two years of student and family support experience required.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual support to students with behavioral concerns and needs.
• Follow building disciplinary plans and district policies.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and community resources.
• Implement, monitor, and track building behavior systems.
• Serve as contact for families new to the building.
• Respond to new student and family questions and requests.
• Promote positive school/family relationships to enhance student learning.
• Enter data and generate reports from the behavior system.

Skills

Maintaining composure

Effective communication

Operating a PC

Verbal & written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

2 years student/ family support experience

Tools

Computer applications

Job description

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

• Position Type: Paraprofessional/ Highly Qualified Paraprofessional
• Date Posted: 8/19/2026
• Location: Hopkins West Middle School

SUMMARY

Assists with the delivery of operational and administrative services related to students' behavioral performance and academic achievement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Provides individual support to students with identified behavioral concerns and needs.
• Follows building disciplinary plans and District discipline policies.
• Consults and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other education and community resources regarding students with identified behavioral concerns and needs.
• Implements, monitors, and tracks building behavior systems.
• Serves as a point of contact for families new to the building.
• Responds to new student and new family questions and requests.
• Provides outreach and support to parents/guardians in order to promote positive school/family relationship and enhance student learning.
• Acts as a liaison between teachers, parents/guardians, and administrators; participates in parent meetings as appropriate.
• Enters data and generates reports from the behavior system.
• Prepares and maintains various school records.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
• Two (2) years of student and family support experience.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Driver's License.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Required Knowledge

• District policies and procedures.
• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Learning and behavioral management techniques.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Required Skills

• Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions.
• Administering educational and school support programs.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
• Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District's established Core Values.
• Advancing the District's mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility to work in a school setting, use standard equipment and stamina to stand for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a school setting.

Occasional travel required to locations throughout the District.

Compensation & Schedule

Wage & Benefit Info: Paraprofessional

Salary/Hourly Rate: Step-1 $25.45 per hour, 174 Days

Position specific Benefits information is available HERE

Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE