District Special Education Flex Paraprofessional at Headwaters Life Skills Program

Position Summary

This position is responsible for providing instructional and/or behavioral support to special education students in high‑needs programs under the direction of a licensed special education teacher.

• Consult daily with a licensed special education teacher regarding daily responsibilities.
• Assist the teacher in implementing district policies and procedures, including emergency procedures, building orientation, confidentiality, student vulnerability, data collection, and classroom management.
• Assist special education students in academic areas such as reading, writing, or math by implementing curriculum, adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the student’s needs under the teacher’s direction.
• Work with students who may have learning challenges, behavioral issues, and/or need physical support, including toileting, eating, transitioning, locker use, lunch/recess, buses, physical transfers, and other activities of daily living.
• Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments, and accept changing and new job assignments as needed.
• Support the licensed teacher in utilizing a variety of behavioral management techniques, including redirection and restraints if necessary, supervising students during cooling‑off time, monitoring and documenting behavior, and implementing positive behavior support.
• Collect and record student data according to the supervising teacher’s directions and requirements, and communicate this information to the teacher and other staff involved with the student.
• Provide services to students as directed by the teacher in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of, and a positive respect for, the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of the teacher, paraprofessional, and other staff.
• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Maintain a high level of fairness, confidentiality, respect, and equity for all students, staff, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Competencies as required by the State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Possess the skills and ability to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills in elementary and/or secondary classrooms.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students; helps provide a positive learning environment.
• Self‑directed and able to organize small‑group reading and math activities with provided resources and assessments.
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Internet navigation, and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to pass paraprofessional fitness‑for‑duty tests.
• Prompt, regular, and reliable attendance.
• Actively participates in district‑sponsored training when offered.
• Communicates with students, parents, co‑workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions.
• Trained in and experienced with behavioral management techniques.
• Demonstrates knowledge of basic academics and behavior characteristics of elementary and/or secondary students.
• Certification in first aid and CPR.
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities and knowledge of disabilities.
• Knowledge of terminology related to the services and support of special education students.
• Previous experience utilizing behavioral management techniques.
• Demonstrates good organizational and time‑management skills.

Headwaters Life Skills Program / District

6.25 hours per day; 7:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. with a ½ hour unpaid lunch break.

Starting base pay: $22.25 per hour.

Additional $0.50 per hour upon achieving Highly Qualified status (2‑ or 4‑year degree, 60 semester credits, or successful completion of the Paraprofessional program offered by the district).

Comprehensive benefits program: medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, supplemental life, and dependent life insurance; long‑term disability coverage; voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection; flexible spending accounts;
Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and retirement plans.

Available for application:
June 5, 2026 – June 10, 2026 or until filled.

Anticipated start date:
September 2, 2026.

Position follows the school calendar with the option to work in other summer paraprofessional positions if interested.

Internal candidates must meet Highly Qualified criteria at the time of application submission.