Transition Special Ed Paraprofessional at Headwaters Life Skills Program

South Washington County Schools; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plans

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

South Washington County Schools seeks a Transition Special Ed Paraprofessional to provide instructional and behavioral support in the Headwaters Life Skills Program. You will work under a licensed teacher to implement strategies, assist with reading, writing and math, and help students with daily living activities.

The role requires teamwork, reliability, and strong communication. Training is provided; the position follows the school calendar with opportunities for related summer

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Attendance and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Consult daily with licensed teacher regarding daily responsibilities.
• Collaborate with related service providers and other team members.
• Assist teacher in implementing district policies and procedures.
• Assist students in academic areas such as reading, writing or math with adapted materials.
• Support students with transitions, daily living activities and behavior management.
• Collect and record student data as directed and share with supervising staff.
• Provide services with respect for roles of teacher, paraprofessional and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Transport students using District vehicles as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Communication

Data collection

Behavior support

Classroom management

Mobility assistance

Organizational skills

Technology use

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Hours per Day

Position

Transition Special Ed Paraprofessional

Location

Headwaters Life Skills Program

Start and End Times

7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. with ½ hour unpaid lunch

Starting Base Pay

$22.70 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

September 2, 2026

Available for Application

August 27, 2026 - September 1, 2026 or until filled

Highly Qualified Information

This position is eligible for an additional $.50 per hour once Highly Qualified status is achieved (2 or 4 year degree, OR 60 semester credits OR successful completion of the Para Pro which is offered by the district regularly). External candidates DO NOT need to meet this criteria until after they are hired but are required to meet the requirement no later than March 1st.
INTERNAL CANDIDATES MUST MEET THIS CRITERIA AT THE TIME THEIR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.

Classification

Program

BENEFITS:

SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include:

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• life insurance
• supplemental life insurance
• dependent life insurance
• long-term disability coverage
• voluntary plans such as accident
• critical illness
• hospital indemnity
• identity protection
• flexible spending accounts
• an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• retirement plans

Visit our benefits page for more detailed information.

Position follows school calendar with the option to work in other summer paraprofessional positions if interested.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing instructional and/or behavioral support to students in alternative education programs under the direction of a licensed special education teacher.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Consult daily with licensed teacher regarding daily responsibilities.
• Collaborate with related service providers, outside agencies and other team members.
• Assist teacher in implementing district policies and procedures, including but not limited to emergency procedures, building orientation, confidentiality, student vulnerability, data collection, and classroom management as directed.
• Assist students in academic areas such as reading, writing or math. This includes implementing curriculum, adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student under the direction of a licensed teacher.
• Work with students that may have learning challenges, behavioral issues, and/or need physical support. It may be necessary to assist students with toileting, eating, transitioning to classes, lockers, lunch/recess, buses, physical transfers; and other activities of daily living.
• Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments and accept changing and new job assignments as needed.
• Support licensed teacher in utilizing a variety of behavioral management techniques, including redirection and restraints if necessary throughout the day. Supervise students during cooling off time, monitor and document behavior, and implement positive behavior support.
• Collect and record student data adhering to the supervising teacher's directions and requirements. Communicates this information to licensed teacher(s) and other staff connected to that student as identified by supervising teacher.
• Provide services to student as directed by licensed teacher in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of, and a positive respect for, the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of the teacher, paraprofessional and other staff.
• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Maintain a high level of fairness, confidentiality, respect and equity for all students, staff and families.
• Transport students using District vehicles as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, LICENSE, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Valid drivers license
• Ability to pass training requirements for Type 3 School Bus annually.
• Possess the skills and ability to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills in elementary and/or secondary classrooms.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students. Helps provide a positive learning environment.
• Self-directed and able to organize small group reading and math activities with resources and assessments provided.
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.
• Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
• Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions.

Desired:

• Trained in and experience utilizing behavioral management techniques.
• Demonstrates knowledge of basic academics and behavior characteristics of elementary and/or secondary students.
• Certification in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities and knowledge of disabilities.
• Knowledge of the terminology related to the services and support of special education students.
• Previous experience utilizing behavioral management techniques.
• Demonstrates good organizational and time management skills.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER