Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - RISE (Centralized Autism Classroom)

Job Title: Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - RISE (Centralized Autism Classroom)
Pay Program: Support Staff, Non-Exempt
Pay Range: Range 8 $19.68 - $21.96 *Pending board approval
Work Year:  Student Contact Days (School Year Calendar) (177 Days / 7.5 Hours)
Reports to:  Building Administrator/Sped Coordinator
Direct Reports:  This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Summary
Operating under the direction of the Building Leader and licensed special education staff, this position provides instructional, behavioral, communication, and personal-care support to students with autism.  This position assists with implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supports structured routines, reinforces social communication and self-regulation skills, and uses visual, sensory, and behavioral supports to help students access learning.  This position may provide one-on-one or small-group support and contributes to a safe, predictable, and supportive environment that promotes academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.
 
Essential Responsibilities - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequency of responsibility, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment. 

1. Instructional Support

• Support delivery of teacher-directed instruction in individual, small-group, and classroom settings.
• Assist in implementing IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications for students with autism.
• Utilize structured teaching strategies, visual supports, schedules, and sensory tools to enhance student engagement.
• Reinforce communication skills using strategies such as modeling, prompting, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as trained.
• Prepare and organize materials to support instruction, routines, and transitions.

2. Behavior Monitoring and Support

• Assist with implementing positive behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and classroom behavior systems.
• Support students in developing self-regulation, coping strategies, and replacement behaviors.
• Use district-approved de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies.
• Assist with responding safely to challenging behavior, including physical intervention when authorized and necessary.
• Monitor student behavior and social responsiveness across settings (classroom, recess, cafeteria, specials, etc.)

3. Personal Care and Hygiene Support

• Provide personal-care support, including toileting/diapering, hygiene, feeding, mobility assistance, or medication support under direction or delegation by a School Nurse (RN).
• Assist with positioning, transfers, and use of adaptive or sensory equipment per training.
• Follow student health and safety plans developed by nursing and related service providers.

4. Data Collection and Documentation

• Collect data on academic, behavioral, communication, and social goals as directed.
• Track student performance, behavior frequency, and program participation.
• Share observations with licensed staff to support progress monitoring and instructional adjustments.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation.

5. Student Supervision and Safety

• Supervise students during transitions, recess, lunch, arrival/dismissal, field trips, and other school settings.
• Assist during bus loading/unloading when assigned.
• Monitor for safety risks and support safe decision-making.
• Ensure use of safe practices during sensory activities, movement, or play.

6. Professional Development and Meetings

• Participate in team planning, staff meetings, and building-level professional development as assigned.
• Collaborate with special educators, related service providers (OT, PT, SLP), and support staff to meet student needs.

7. Other Duties

• Additional tasks, duties, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.

 
Education and Experience 
Acceptable demonstration of acceptable education and/or experience will be at the sole discretion of the District.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two years of experience working with children required
• Prior school district experience preferred<