Job summary: To inspire and prepare all students with the confidence, courage and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning by supporting students and assisting the special education teacher in the operation and function of the classroom. To work with individual or small groups of students as assigned.
Responsibilities and tasks include:
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Assist in the implementation of the students' special education instructional plan(s) including physical and behavioral management. Specific duties are assigned by the supervising teacher based on students' special needs.
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Assist in the implementation and follow through of the students' individual plans in all settings in which the program is delivered and as assigned by the supervising teacher.
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Collect observational data about assigned student(s) in various school settings and report to supervising teacher.
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Assist in the preparation, collection and maintenance of educational materials and equipment.
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Assist staffings, conferences and any other special meetings as requested by supervising teacher.
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Complete educational forms, reports and other student related data relevant to the individual student(s) in the special education program as directed by the special education teacher.
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Any other duties deemed necessary by the team and approved by the Special Education Coordinator/Special Education Supervisor.
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Participation in district training program prior to and during employment.
Assignment specific tasks include:
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Required attendance of deaf/blind intervener training: a six-weekend in-person training series for new interveners and licensed staff who are working directly with students with combined hearing and vision loss. Training typically occurs in October, November, January, February, March and April. Instruction is provided by a combination of state and national experts in the field of deafblindness. You will be paid your hourly rate for attending this professional development throughout the year.
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Provide visual and auditory information to DeafBlind students.
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Support learners who are deafblind in communication, language, mobility, personal care, sensory, and other developmental needs through sign language and/or other visual supports throughout all activities in the school day in special education and/or general education settings based on learner needs.
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Provide access to information, environments, and material for the student who may otherwise be unable to access or understand due to sensory impairments.
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Guide students through activities and hands-on exploration of materials as appropriate.
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Adapt instructional materials, equipment, or strategies, under the direction of the teacher or other licensed professionals.
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Help to maintain safety of the student and the environment.
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Participate in training/in-service as assigned.
Minimum qualifications include:
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High School Diploma or equivalent
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Applicants must be considered Highly Qualified (HQ) to work as a special education paraprofessional by their start date per the Minnesota Department of Education.
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Applicants meet the Highly Qualified requirement if they have:
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Two years of study at an institution of higher education (a minimum of 60 semester credits or the amount required to complete two years of full-time enrollment as determined by the institution attended); OR
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An associate's degree (or higher); OR
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Received a passing score on the ParaPro, ParaEducator, or ParaPathways Assessment. The District will pay for the assessment.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
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Persons employed shall have the skills needed to perform tasks and work with children, staff and parents.
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Must have physical capability to lift and attend to physical needs of students as required.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Expereince working with students with disabilities
- Some American Sign Language
Bargaining unit: Educational Support Professionals
Salary: Classification 2; View salary grid on the respective bargaining unit listed above, accessible via our Employee Contracts page
Work schedule: Monday through Friday / 8:10AM to 2:40PM OR 8:00AM to 2:30PM
FTE: 30 hours per week
Desired start date: 09/08/2026
Osseo Area Schools offers:
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Meaningful and impactful work
- Opportunities to grow professionally
- A variety of benefits Mentorship programs for teachers and educational support professionals
- Summer opportunities
- ...and more!
Equal Employment Opportunity statement: Osseo Area School District ISD 279 is an Equal Opportunity, and veteran-friendly employer. Osseo Area School District ISD 279 ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Osseo Area School District is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the district and strongly encourages persons to apply who can strengthen our diversity. For more information, view the District’s Equal Opportunity and Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Policy.
Veteran’s preference: If you are an eligible veteran, please submit a legible copy of your DD214 with your application.
Accommodation: If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email Human Resources at [email protected] or call 763-391-7007.
Background check upon conditional offer: Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
