Substitute: Para-Educator Eligibility Pool (2026-27)
Oakland Unified School District Substitute Assignment (Various locations) – Oakland, California
Starting Date: Immediately
Job Description
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma & 48 college units OR High School Diploma & ParaProfessional Test (ParaPro or CODESP)
- To schedule the CODESP with a member of the Talent department, please email recruitment@ousd.org
All applicants must:
- Complete application for this position (including 2 references)
- Successfully complete an interview with a member of the Substitute Office or Recruitment team
- To expedite hire processing, candidates may gather the following materials:
- Negative TB test current within past 60 days
- Sealed copies of all college transcripts
- Valid Driver's License, ID card, Permanent Residency Card or current US passport
- Social Security Card (no copies)
All hires are contingent on applicant passing criminal background check.
DESCRIPTION
BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in an assigned educational program; assist children with meeting the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP); attend to the physical and health needs of students; monitor and report student progress regarding educational performance; perform a variety of clerical and supportive duties related to classroom activities and classroom management. This position is distinguished from other student support roles in that employees in these positions are primarily responsible for attendant physical duties to enable students with disabilities to have equal educational opportunities, assisting with basic health needs of students with disabilities, and assisting the classroom teacher in creating and maintaining engaging academic environments.
This position may be used as a step toward further professional development opportunities as an Instructional Support Specialist and/or certificated position.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRING SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Para-Educator: Assist in providing high quality instruction to individual or small groups of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) as well as other students in a classroom as assigned; must be able to communicate proficiently and effectively using a signing system such as American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgeon Signed English (PSE), Manually Coded English (MCE) and appropriate facial expressions.
Visual Impairment Para-Educator: When assigned in a placement supporting students who are blind or visually impaired, must assist the classroom teacher in delivering instruction and meeting goals and objectives of students qualified for special education services for the visually impaired; must be able to read and demonstrate Braille; operate supportive equipment including audio devices, Braille printer, computer, tactile and Braille production equipment, and cane as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students (Pre‑K through Young Adult) in an assigned classroom or program, including Special Day Class or other programs; assist students with disabilities to meet IEP goals.
- Read IEP goals to support instruction and maximize student progress when trained by appropriate staff.
- Communicate with teachers and/or parents as required to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
- Implement class‑wide and individual behavior strategies to maintain a safe learning environment when trained.
- Communicate professionally with staff and parents, both written and verbal.
- Implement lesson plans under teacher direction; reinforce instruction to individuals or small groups; monitor drills and assignments to reinforce learning concepts.
- Assist students with washing, toileting (may include lifting), diapering, dressing, grooming, and other personal hygiene activities.
- Assist with transportation of students; position and reposition students requiring medical equipment, wheelchairs, braces, or other orthopedic equipment; ensure safe use and operation of wheelchairs and prosthetic devices.
- Assist with loading and unloading students on and from buses, wheelchairs, stretchers, and gurneys.
- Volunteer to be trained to administer Diastat and perform medical procedures when trained and supervised.
- Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as needed.
- Assure health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
- Monitor, motivate, and train students with disabilities; observe and manage behavior; report progress; follow behavior intervention plans.
- Perform clerical duties such as preparing instructional materials, scoring papers, recording grades, keeping attendance, and maintaining student files.
- Support teachers by setting up work areas, operating audio‑visual equipment, and distributing materials.
- Administer, monitor and score tests and assignments to comply with criteria and provide reliable testing environment.
- Assist students in developing self‑help, social, and communication skills.
- Notify appropriate personnel when there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, or potential suicide.
- Assist in monitoring lunchroom activities and mealtime procedures, including feeding and cleaning.
- Assist with positive reinforcement procedures and reactive strategies from behavior support plans.
- Respond to emergency situations to ensure immediate resolution and proper documentation.
- Supervise students inside and outside the classroom, recess, and playground activities; accompany field trips while helping with physical needs and reinforcing learning.
- Operate and provide technical assistance for office, instructional, and audio‑visual equipment.
- Maintain basic knowledge of computers, including Microsoft Office.
- Assist with data collection; take data on goals and determine benchmarks for continued progress.
- Work as part of a team of professionals for the betterment of special education programs.
- Keep classrooms and school facilities neat, clean, orderly, and safe.
- Direct group activities of students.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
- Adhere to site and department codes of conduct.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and in‑service meetings.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance or writing samples, and achievement on performance‑based assessments (if applicable). Meeting prerequisites satisfies the initial screening process but does not guarantee qualification.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Special needs, issues, and requirements of special education students
- Common Core Standards, Content Standards, District Curriculum, Response to Intervention, Full Service Community Schools
- Positive reinforcement systems and behavioral strategies
- The 13 disability categories outlined in California Education Code and their impact on access to education
- Assessment tools to guide instruction
- Child growth and development concepts and developmental behavior characteristics
- Lifting and moving child‑care techniques
- Behaviors of students with learning or behavioral disabilities
- Child guidance principles and practices
- Safe classroom and playground practices
- Instructional methods and techniques
- Pedagogy for ethnic populations, English, and Standard English learners
- Applicable federal, state, and District regulations governing work scope
- Planning, organization, and coordination for assigned programs
- Diverse academic, socio‑economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students
- Basic record‑keeping techniques
- Classroom procedures and student conduct
- Safe contact with bodily fluids, blood‑borne pathogens, and communicable diseases
- Technology and computer software applications for instruction, administration, and education
- Accepted record‑keeping and reporting methods and strategies
- Operation of office, instructional, and audio‑visual equipment
ABILITY TO:
- Assist with instruction and related activities in the classroom or mandated learning environment
- Reinforce instruction to small groups of students
- Perform basic arithmetic quickly and accurately
- Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing
- Assist students with daily living self‑help activities (feeding, toileting, positioning)
- Address behavioral and communication challenges in students
- Adopt patient and receptive attitudes toward children with special needs
- Follow oral and written directions
- Learn procedures, functions, and limitations of duties
- Remain calm and exercise judgment in emergencies and special health needs
- Gather data and prepare reports under direction
- Build cooperative relationships with students, staff, parents, coworkers, and the public
- Work independently with appropriate direction and follow established policies
- Maintain confidentiality and discretion with records
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Supervise and discipline students per approved policies
- Use technology and computer software effectively
- Show courtesy, discretion, and respect in interacting with people
- Understand and respect cultural and linguistic diversity
- Use initiative and judgment in discussions related to school policies
- Understand legal obligations, including mandatory reporter responsibilities
- Hold Standard First Aid and CPR certifications
- Apply integrity and trust in all situations
PREREQUISITES:
- Meet the No Child Left Behind “Highly Qualified” requirement: high school diploma or equivalent and either (a) Associate of Arts degree or higher, (b) 48+ college units, or (c) passing score on CBEST, ParaPro, or CODESP and related mandatory coursework.
- One year of experience working with children of various ages in a classroom setting; experience attending to students with physical needs preferred.
- Must possess and maintain a valid First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate.
- Must be willing to complete at least 15 hours of mandatory mandatory‑reporter training and mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory 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- Must possess and maintain a valid First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate.
- Must voluntarily commit to at least 15 hours of mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory
WORKING CONDITIONS
ENVIRONMENT: Office, diverse school site and classroom environments; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast‑paced work; constant interruptions; may need to physically guide or restrain students; potential contact with blood and other body fluids and communicable diseases.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven terrain; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 50 pounds (with assistance for >50 pounds); bending, twisting, reaching; dexterity of hands and fingers; seeing and hearing to monitor students; working with educational materials, books, and printed materials.
NON‑DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.
Position Type: Substitute
Salary: up to $16 Per Hour
Job ID: 5760775
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Jun 04, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)
Contact Email: recruitment@ousd.org