NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Human Resources
405 West Main Street
Northville, Michigan 48167
NON-CERTIFIED POSTING
DATE: July 1, 2026
POSITION: Para-Educator - Cooke School
Serving SCI, SXI and DD classrooms
(Northville Federation of Para-Educators)
Minimum starting wage ranges from $18.04 - $21.17 (w/direct experience) / hour
Selected candidates may be assigned to any classroom or be assigned as 1:1 para-educator positions within the school program.
Note: Para educators work the K12 school year. Para educators for the additional 20 day summer program are selected based on requests, but in some cases may be required to work based on need and seniority.
EXPECTED START DATE: August 25, 2026, conditional upon successful pre-employment physical at the employer’s choice of clinic.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates Degree or higher preferred
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, excellent rapport with students
- Strong organizational skills
- Proven ability to demonstrate initiative, take direction and apply good judgment to a variety of situations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to lift 40 pounds and carry out all responsibilities of the position
- Strong computer literacy skills
- Ability to gather, record and report data and student progress / performance information
- Ability to effectively implement student(s)’ educational plans
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working in an educational setting
- Experience with and/or knowledge of children with special needs (physically, cognitively, and autistically impaired, and/or need behavior/emotional supports)
- Experience or knowledge of Crisis Prevention Intervention
SUMMARY: Work, under the direction of the teacher(s,) with individual students and/or groups of students who generally cannot satisfactorily progress in their educational program without assistance.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
1. The para-educator shall assume an active role in supervising students within the school and at community-based instruction sites.
2. Generally, the para-educator will be involved in assisting the classroom teacher in teaching the following skills to the students:
- a. complying with work related requests and accepting the teaching direction of the classroom teacher and/or building supervisor
- b. self-help skills (toileting, feeding, dressing)
- c. communication skills (imitation, understanding, and using oral speech, AAC devices, and the picture exchange system)
- d. interpersonal skills (taking turns, participating in group activities).
- e. social skills (development of appropriate social interaction behaviors)
- f. community skills (appropriate interactions with persons in public places, etc.)
- g. pre-academic and academic skills (games, puzzles, reasoning and problem solving exercises; art, music, and movement activities; pre-reading and pre-math skills; reading and math skills)
- h. pre-vocational and vocational skills (attending, manual dexterity, sorting activities, assembly jobs, food preparation, etc.)
3. The para-educator will be responsible for:
- a. participating in and implementing prescriptive training plans aimed at meeting performance objectives of students
- b. preparing materials and equipment before and after the instructional day
- c. assisting the classroom teacher in writing or developing behavior objectives or lesson plans
- d. maintaining a positive team relationship with other classroom staff
- e. keeping records as directed by the teacher
- f. attending meetings as announced
- g. managing student behavior according to building policies which may include physical management
- h. assisting students with physical disabilities with daily living activities--ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- i. assisting in the health management of students which may include performing delegated health care procedures such as
- · the administration of medications
- · tube feeding
- · colostomy care
- j. communicating the classroom needs for materials, supplies and equipment to the teacher in charge of the instructional unit
- k. following board policies, administrative regulations and rules, and the educational program and curriculum as established by the classroom teacher and/or building supervisor
4. Maintain confidentiality of student and school information
5. Comply with work related requests and accept the direction of the teacher and/or building
principal
6. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
7. Attend required meetings and in-services
8. Comply with and support school policies and procedures
9.. Model non-discriminatory and anti-bullying practices in all activities.
10. Work with a Leader Dog or assistant dog when necessary
11. Assist students with all aspects of toileting, which may include diapering, and lifting on and off the toilet, changing tables or mats
12. Demonstrate regular and predictable in-person attendance
13. Perform other duties as assigned by the teacher(s) or building administrator in accordance with school polices and procedures
Evaluated by: Program Administrator(s)
METHOD OF APPLICATION:
Interested applicants should apply online via the District website under Employment.
Para Educator - Center Program:
https://www.applitrack.com/resa/OnlineApp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=37119&category=Support+Staff
Attention: Mr. Brian Sumner,
Director of Human Resources
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until Filled
Posting Authorized: 7-1-26 by Brian Sumner, Director of Human Resources
NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
No person applying for employment at Northville Public Schools shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, pregnancy status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, be subjected to discrimination during any program or activity or in employment.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.04 - $21.17 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
