The Special Education Student Support Paraprofessional provides 1:1 individualized
educational, emotional, and behavioral support to a student within our
school program who experiences significant anxiety, selective mutism,
social communication challenges, and/or related emotional or behavioral
needs. This role focuses on fostering emotional safety, school
engagement, communication confidence, and successful participation
within the classroom and school environment.
The Student Support Para primarily works with one assigned
student while also supporting the broader classroom environment as
needed. This position is relationship-based, highly collaborative, and centered
on helping the student build confidence, independence, and successful
school participation.
Responsibilities
* Work Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
* Provide individualized support throughout the school day to help
the student engage in classroom activities, transitions, peer
interactions, and school routines
* Support the student in managing anxiety, communication barriers,
emotional dysregulation, and school-related stressors using calm,
supportive, and developmentally appropriate approaches
* Collaborate closely with teachers, school clinicians, and
leadership regarding student progress, concerns, and support strategies
* Foster a safe, trusting, and encouraging relationship with the
student while promoting independence and self-confidence
* Assist with academic engagement and classroom participation when
the student requires additional support
* Help facilitate social interaction and positive peer
relationships in a natural and supportive manner
* Utilize individualized accommodations, visual supports, prompting
strategies, and environmental modifications as directed by the
educational and clinical team
* Maintain consistent communication and documentation regarding
student participation, progress, observations, and concerns
* Support classroom staff and maintain flexibility in responding to
changing student needs throughout the school day
* Assist in creating or organizing classroom support materials as
requested by teachers or school staff
* Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate
boundaries at all times
* Follow all school policies, safety procedures, and student
support guidelines
* Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and supportive school culture
Qualifications and Competencies
Required:
* High School Diploma
* At least 21 years old
Preferred:
* Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work,
counseling, child development, or related field preferred
* Experience working with children or adolescents with anxiety,
selective mutism, autism spectrum differences, emotional regulation
challenges, or school avoidance preferred
* Experience working in a school, therapeutic, educational, or
youth-serving environment preferred
* Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
* Ability to remain calm, patient, flexible, and emotionally
regulated in stressful situations
* Ability to build rapport and supportive relationships with
students who may be withdrawn, anxious, or hesitant to engage
* Professional demeanor with strong reliability, accountability,
and teamwork skills
* Ability to take feedback constructively and implement support
strategies consistently
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative
school environment
* Passion for supporting students’ emotional growth, confidence,
and educational success
Program Requirements
* Two (2) professional written references verifying your character and suitability to work with children, to be filed in the personnel file.
* Physical exam to be performed during the 6-month period preceding employment by the center.
* CBI criminal check must be submitted to the CBI within 5 working days of starting work. To be renewed every 5 years.
* State TRAILS check for child abuse and neglect background checks. Request must be made with 10 calendar days of the first day of employment. To be renewed every 5 years.
* Valid driver’s license and insurance required.
Benefits
* Work with a collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven
multidisciplinary team
* Meaningful opportunity to positively impact students and families
* Ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
* Participate in staff development days and educational trainings
* School calendar schedule including seasonal breaks, holidays, and
summer periods
* Accrued sick days and personal days
* Benefits package including health and retirement options
Compensation
Salary range: Hourly starting at $24.00 depending on experience,
education, and qualifications.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
Pay: From $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
