Description:
At Heartspring, our mission is to help children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral challenges, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities reach their fullest potential. We're looking for a compassionate, dependable Lead Paraprofessional to support students while providing leadership and guidance to classroom staff. If you're passionate about special education, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families, we'd love to meet you.
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Position: Lead Classroom Para
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Schedule: Full Time Days
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Hours: Monday-Friday 7:15a-4p
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Requirements: 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience. 2+ years working with children with autism or developmental disabilities
As a Lead Paraprofessional, you'll partner closely with the Special Education Teacher to support daily classroom operations while helping students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
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Support students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral needs in the classroom.
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Assist with academics, communication, social skills, emotional regulation, life skills, and activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed.
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Encourage independence through positive behavior support and individualized instruction.
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Build trusting relationships that help students grow and succeed.
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Help oversee daily classroom routines and maintain a structured therapeutic learning environment.
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Lead classroom operations when the teacher is unavailable.
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Coach, mentor, and support paraprofessionals and classroom staff.
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Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
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Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports.
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Respond appropriately during behavioral escalations using approved crisis intervention techniques.
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Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom for all students.
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Partner with teachers, therapists, nurses, and families to support student success.
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Document student progress, incidents, and observations accurately.
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Communicate professionally and effectively with staff and families.
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Follow Heartspring policies and educational standards.
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Support quality assurance initiatives and maintain accurate documentation.
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Protect student confidentiality and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
You'll be successful in this role if you are:
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Dependable, ethical, and accountable with a strong work ethic.
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Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions during challenging situations.
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An effective communicator with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
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Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Passionate about providing exceptional service to students, families, and coworkers.
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A collaborative leader who enjoys coaching and supporting teammates.
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Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Requirements:
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High school diploma or equivalent
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CPR Certification (provided by Heartspring)
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Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certification (provided by Heartspring)
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Valid Kansas driver's license
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Kansas licensed substitute teacher certification
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60 or more college credit hours
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2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience
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2+ years of experience working with children with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral challenges, or other neurodevelopmental disabilities in a school, special education, therapeutic, or behavioral health setting
Physical Requirements:
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Lifting: Up to 30 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. rarely
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Carrying: 10-15 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. seldom
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Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely; stand constantly; walk frequently
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Climbing: rarely
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Bending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: frequently
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Reaching: frequently
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Pushing/Pulling: 10-15 lbs. occasionally; 50 lbs. rarely
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Dexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
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Stamina/Endurance: mild exertion frequently; heavy exertion occasionally
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Vision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions or warnings
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Mind-Body Connection: frequent awareness of body positioning and task execution
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A meaningful career where you make a lasting impact every day.
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Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams dedicated to student success.
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Paid training, including CPR and CPI certification.
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Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
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A mission-driven culture built on compassion, teamwork, and excellence.
If you're looking for a rewarding career in special education, autism support, behavioral health, or therapeutic education, apply today and help us create brighter futures for the students we serve.
