JOB VACANCY: Special Education Self-Contained Paraprofessional (Full-Time)
BASE LOCATION: Bastrop High School 402 Highland Avenue Bastrop, Louisiana 71220
SUBJECT AREA: Health & PE
GRADE LEVEL(S): PreK-12th Grades
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Special Education Self-Contained Paraprofessional assists certified teachers in providing instructional, behavioral, and personal support services to students with exceptionalities in a self-contained special education setting. The paraprofessional works directly with students individually and in small groups to support academic achievement, social-emotional development, behavioral interventions, and daily living skills in accordance with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
This position requires maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment while working collaboratively with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families.
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
Employment Type: Full-Time Classified Position
Reports to: School Principal, Special Education Supervisors, and Assigned Classroom Teacher(s)
APPLICATION WINDOW: July 6, 2026 – July 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (until position is filled)
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the Morehouse Parish School Board's online application for Classified Positions at:
https://www.mpsb.us/job-openings
Applicants should upload:
- Detailed Resume
- Official or Unofficial College Transcript(s)
- Passing ParaPro Assessment Score Report (if applicable)
- Any additional documentation supporting qualifications, certifications, training, or experience
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the teacher with implementing instructional activities aligned with students' IEPs.
- Provide academic support through individual and small-group instruction.
- Support students with functional, communication, social, behavioral, and life-skills development.
- Implement behavior intervention plans and positive behavior support strategies as directed.
- Assist with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, and recordkeeping.
- Supervise students in classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, playgrounds, buses, community-based settings, and during school-
sponsored activities.
- Monitor and document student performance, behavior, and progress as directed by the teacher.
- Assist students with personal care needs when required, including toileting, feeding, hygiene, dressing, and mobility
assistance.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and information.
- Participate in training, staff meetings, and professional development activities as required.
- Perform other duties assigned by the classroom teacher, principal, or Special Education Supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet the Highly Qualified Paraprofessional requirements established under federal and state guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements :
Candidates must meet one (1) of the following:
1. Pass the ParaPro Assessment with a score of 450 or higher; OR
2. Complete at least two years of full-time study (48 semester credit hours) at a state-approved or regionally accredited
institution of higher education; OR
3. Earn an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree from a state-
approved or regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Applicants with college credit should preferably have completed:
- 3 credit hours of English Composition
- 6 credit hours of English/Reading
- 6 credit hours of Mathematics
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with students with disabilities.
- Knowledge of behavior intervention strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Experience assisting with students requiring academic, behavioral, communication, or personal care support.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, staff, and families.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The employee must regularly:
- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as necessary to support students.
- Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds independently and assist with heavier loads using proper techniques or team
assistance.
- Assist students with mobility needs, including transfers, positioning, and physical guidance.
- Physically intervene consistent with district training and procedures when necessary to maintain student or staff safety.
- Escort, redirect, and supervise students who may exhibit aggressive, impulsive, or self-injurious behaviors.
- Respond quickly during emergencies and student crises.
- Operate standard classroom and office equipment.
- Work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
WORK SCHEDULE
This is a full-time position requiring regular and reliable attendance. Employees are expected to work the assigned contract days and hours established by the Morehouse Parish School District and perform duties before, during, and after student instructional hours as assigned.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Personnel Department: (318) 281-5784 Teresa Merritt, Personnel Director [email protected]
Want to Aim for More?
Once employed, you may be eligible to participate in the District's Paraprofessional-to-Certified Teacher Pathway through Oxford Teachers Academy – Reach University.
This program allows eligible employees to earn a Bachelor's degree in Education while continuing to work within the school district.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
Morehouse Parish School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and Louisiana laws and regulations.
