AFSCME - Paraeducator @ BHS; Position

Job Title

Para educator

Bellingham High School, Bellingham, Massachusetts

Ten (10) months – 184 days following school calendar. 35 hours/week (7 hours/day)

August 24, 2026

Principal, BCBA, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services or Designee

• Passing score on the Para Pro Test or other state‑approved assessment program (Para Pro waived with an associate degree).
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prior experience working with children in a school setting (preferred).
• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Physical requirements:
  
  ability to move in and out of the school building, lift and carry material up to 20 pounds, and assist with positioning of students up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel, and move easily on and off floor mats.
• Ability to use good judgment, exercise tact and diplomacy, respect confidential matters, and show sensitivity to the problems of children.
• Willingness and ability to learn and use Assistive Technology.
• Proficiency with online platforms such as Google Meets and Google Classroom.
• Any alternatives acceptable to the Superintendent of Schools.

• Assist the teacher with student instruction, both direct and indirect.
• Assist with selecting and utilizing educational materials and general supplies.
• Assist in administering achievement and/or diagnostic testing.
• Assist in implementing behavior modification programs.
• Assist with general classroom management and addressing student behavior.
• Assist in supervising students involved in school activities.
• Assist in preparing for daily activities during regularly scheduled hours.
• Assume responsibility for classroom teacher in their absence, including a daily rate increase when needed.
• Flexibility to perform duties across a variety of classrooms and school environments.
• Participate in required staff development programs.
• Under supervision of a certified teacher, and in accordance with the student’s IEP, prepare for instructional events and other educational or non‑educational activities.
• Implement support strategies and interventions to reinforce skills based on individual student needs.
• Provide positive role modeling and treat students with respect.
• Assist in the teaching process and work directly with children in academics, social skills, self‑care (ADLs), and vocational skills.
• Assist and reinforce generalization of skill development and community integration.
• Complete onboarding, district policies, and mandatory trainings.
• Serve as a resource person for students, communicating with teachers regarding specific instruction.
• Assist in behavioral interventions and be able to achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
• Assist in implementing treatment plans, health plans, safety plans, and behavior plans for various students.
• Perform data collection if required.
• Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA, RBT, etc.).
• Apply ABA strategies (training provided).
• Assist with toileting certain students with disabilities when required.
• Lift and carry students with disabilities per IEP when required.
• Any other duties as directed by the Principal, BCBA, and/or Director of Student Services.

• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with self‑help and independence skills.
• Implement remedial and review exercises, practice, and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
• Provide independent study, enrichment, or remedial work as directed.
• Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist with test taking, use of instructional tasks, and instructional technology.
• Observe and note performance and behaviors.
• Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.

• Escort and supervise movement of students throughout the school.
• Assist students boarding and exiting transportation vehicles.
• Proctor testing and provide makeup work assistance.
• Assist with toileting, including diaper changing, when required.

• Provide supervision and monitoring of students during breaks, lunches, community trips, and assemblies.
• Supervise students passing in corridors during fire drills and assemblies.
• Assist students in situations other than their regular assignments as requested by the teacher.
• Temporary assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties (lunchroom, recess, playground).
• Set up and operate instructional and/or assistive technology equipment under teacher direction.
• Participate in professional development activities per district expectations.
• Perform other general duties as indicated by the Principal, Director of Student Services, and Superintendent.