Paraprofessional

 
POSITION:   Paraprofessional        
 
LOCATION:  Northside Elementary
 
JOB SUMMARY:
 
The Paraprofessional serves as an essential member of the instructional team by providing academic, behavioral, and operational support to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. Under the direction of the classroom teacher and school administrators, this role supports instruction, supervises students, assists with differentiated learning, and contributes to a safe, inclusive, and productive school environment. The Paraprofessional demonstrates professionalism, strong communication skills, and a commitment to helping all students succeed.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Associate degree or minimum of 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution OR successful completion of a state-approved paraprofessional assessment as required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission;
2. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential student information in accordance with FERPA;
3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated ability to build positive, professional relationships with students and staff;
2. Ability to support instruction for diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English learners;
3. Skill in monitoring student behavior and reinforcing expectations in a calm, proactive manner;
4. Ability to use instructional technology, digital learning platforms, and classroom tools to support teaching and learning;
5. Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills;
6. Ability to implement teacher-designed accommodations, modifications, and intervention strategies;
7. Ability to adapt to changing classroom needs and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced school setting.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Instructional Support

• Provide small-group and individualized instructional support under the guidance of the teacher;
• ?Assist with the implementation of lesson plans, instructional activities, and interventions;
• Reinforce learning objectives through guided practice, tutoring support, and instructional scaffolding;
• Support classroom routines, transitions, and reinforcement of academic and behavioral expectations;
• Assist with progress monitoring activities, data collection, and documentation as directed.

Student Support & Supervision

• Provide assistance to students with IEPs, 504 Plans, behavior plans, or other specialized needs;
• ?Support students in developing positive learning behaviors, organization, independence, and self-advocacy;
• Supervise students in a variety of settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, arrival/dismissal, and school events;
• Monitor behavior and intervene using district-approved strategies to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records, behavior, health information, and other sensitive data;
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, and school administrators to meet student needs;
• Participate in required professional learning, training sessions, and ongoing skill development;
• Communicate effectively and professionally with staff, students, and families;
• Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and adherence to district policies, ethical standards, and expectations for professionalism.

Operational & Classroom Support

• Assist with classroom organization, materials preparation, technology setup, and management of learning resources;
• ?Support the implementation of classroom management systems and school-wide expectations;
• Assist with clerical tasks related to instruction (copies, materials organization, accommodations, etc.);
• Help maintain a clean, orderly, and safe classroom environment;
• Performs other such duties needed or assigned by the Supervisor.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 lbs;
• ?Ability to stand, walk, or move across the school campus frequently throughout the day;
• Ability to respond promptly to student safety needs, emergencies, and crisis situations;
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

REPORTS TO: Principal
 
SALARY RANGE:   Competitive salary and excellent benefits package in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide.
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials for the position by December 18, 2025.

   
About Us
 
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), three learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognisa. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
 Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.
 
Important Note

This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.