Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - Significant Support (SOAR/TDP)

Job Title:         Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - Significant Support (SOAR/TDP) 
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 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, and personal-care support to students with disabilities.  This position assists with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supports academic and social-emotional skill development, reinforces positive behavior strategies, and helps maintain a structured and supportive learning environment.  This position also assists with data collection, personal care, and safety procedures to promote student growth, engagement, and independence.  This position may involve working with individual students or small groups and requires strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability to meet diverse student needs.  Duties may vary based on student and building needs.
 
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-designed instruction in individual, small-group, and classroom settings.
• Assist in implementing IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications under the direction of licensed staff.
• Adapt and prepare instructional materials to meet diverse learning and sensory needs.
• Support student engagement through prompting, cueing, modeling, and scaffolding.
• Assist with maintaining structured, predictable learning routines and assistive or multi-sensory environments.
• Provide support with assistive technology, communication systems, or adaptive equipment as trained.

2. Behavior Monitoring and Support

• Support implementation of behavior intervention plans, safety plans, and crisis plans under licensed supervision.
• Reinforce positive behavior strategies, coping skills, and replacement behaviors.
• Monitor student behavior and social-emotional needs across settings (classrooms, hallways, recess, cafeteria, specials, etc.).
• Use district-approved de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies, asking for assistance when needed.
• Assist in responding safely to challenging behavior, including physical intervention when required and authorized.

3. Personal Care and Hygiene Support

• Assist students with personal care needs such as eating, feeding, toileting/diapering, hygiene, dressing, or mobility supports.
• Follow student health plans, including medication assistance as directed by licensed staff or medication support under direction or delegation by a School Nurse (RN).
• Assist with positioning, transfers, and use of mobility equipment following OT/PT guidance and safety protocols.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary learning environment and follow all safety and infection-control procedures.

4. Data Collection and Documentation

• Collect and record data on IEP goals, behavior plans, and student progress using district procedures.
• Report observations to teachers and licensed staff to support progress monitoring and instructional adjustments.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation.

5. Student Supervision and Safety

• Supervise students during arrival, dismissal, hallways, recess, lunch, bus loading/unloading, and transitions.
• Assist with safety drills and respond to emergencies following district protocols.
• Ensure safe use of equipment, materials, and school environments.

6. Meetings, Training, and Collaboration

• Participate in team meetings, IEP meetings (as appropriate), staff training, and required professional development.
• Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and related service providers to support student needs.

7. Other Duties

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

 
Education and Experi