District Paraprofessional

Huntsville School District
Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Paraprofessional

Reports To: Principal

Contracted Days: Varies

Job Summary: To assist, support, and work closely with special education teachers, administrators, and related service providers in providing a supportive and inclusive educational environment for students with disabilities. This position requires flexibility, empathy, and the ability to implement individualized strategies to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth as outlined in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Essential Duties:

• Works under the supervision and direction of a certified special education teacher or administrator to support the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provides instructional support by working with individual students or small groups to reinforce skills introduced by the teacher.
• Assists in the implementation of accommodations and modifications specified in students’ IEPs.
• Supports students with physical, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs in a variety of settings (e.g., self-contained classrooms, inclusion classrooms, general education settings).
• Assists students with personal care needs including feeding, toileting, mobility, and hygiene, as needed and as directed by the IEP.
• Monitors student behavior and supports the implementation of behavior intervention plans, providing documentation as needed.
• Supervises students in the classroom, during transitions, lunch, recess, and other school-related activities as assigned.
• Prepares instructional materials and classroom displays as directed.
• Assists with lifting, transferring, or positioning students with physical disabilities using proper techniques and equipment.
• Promotes student independence and self-advocacy, encouraging the development of social and emotional skills.
• Documents student progress and behavior data as requested by the supervising teacher or special education team.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with teachers, staff, service providers, and administrators regarding student needs and performance.
• Assists with maintaining a clean, safe, and organized learning environment.
• Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to students and their families.
• Serves as a source of guidance and assistance for substitute teachers and temporary staff.
• Participates in staff development, required training, and team meetings.
• Demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude in all work assignments.
• Adheres to schedules and assigned work hours, and maintains prompt and reliable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervising teacher, building administrator, or special education director.

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 60 college credit hours or passing score on the Paraprofessional Assessment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to support students with academic, behavioral, and physical needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow district policies.
• Willingness to complete required training (e.g., CPI, CPR/First Aid)

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, and sit. The role frequently requires reaching with hands and arms, using hands for fine motor tasks, and operating standard classroom or office equipment. The employee may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and must occasionally lift, push, or pull up.

This position may also involve supporting students with physical or mobility needs, including assisting with transfers, positioning, or the use of adaptive equipment, in accordance with student care plans

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is primarily based in school settings, including general and special education classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and other instructional areas. The noise level is typically moderate, but may occasionally become high due to student activity, behavioral needs, or large group settings. The role may also involve physically supporting students and frequent movement throughout the day.

Other: 

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems necessary.