Paraeducator Special Education - Communication​/Social Disabilities

Para educator Special Education – Communication/Social Disabilities

Provide instruction under the supervision of the special education teacher in a special education environment or as required by an individualized education plan (IEP); and provide support to students with social needs similar to those identified with autism spectrum disorder.

• Classification:
  Support Staff
• Job Title:
  
  Para educator Special Education – Communication/Social Disabilities
• Calendar: 1802PT or 1902FT (9 months)
• Salary:
  Grade 109 (Support Hourly)
• Seniority Level: Entry Level
• Employment Type:
  
  Full-time
• Job Function:
  Education and Training
• Industries:
  Education Administration Programs

• High school diploma or equivalent plus an associate's degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited university, or satisfactory results on an AZ state-approved competency exam
• CPR/First Aid (certification provided)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer and related software
• Satisfactory criminal background check

• Provide individualized support:
  Assist individual students or small groups near the teacher to reinforce concepts and skills. Includes supporting academic and social‑emotional development by helping students manage emotions, build positive relationships, and develop self‑awareness.
• Offer personal care assistance:
  Help students with severe medical conditions or physical limitations with personal care needs such as toileting, feeding, dressing, and administering emergency rescue medication or tube feeding.
• Implement behavior plans:
  Follow and assist in carrying out behavioral plans developed by a team to help students modify behaviors that interfere with their academic and social success.
• Adhere to student guidelines:
  Support students with their physical, emotional, and academic needs, strictly following the guidelines outlined in their IEP, including administering immediate basic first aid or emergency rescue medication when needed.
• Supervise students:
  Help supervise students during various activities, including emergency drills, assemblies, lunch, recess, and field trips.
• Maintain a positive learning environment:
  Assist in keeping the classroom quiet and orderly, operate and care for instructional equipment, and help with assessments and data collection under the teacher’s guidance.
• Ensure student safety and well‑being:
  Be responsible for students’ safety and well‑being while they are in your care. Immediately report any concerns about substance use, child abuse, or dangerous situations.
• Professional responsibilities:
  Report any issues or special information about a student to the teacher, participate in required meetings and training, maintain confidentiality, and perform all duties safely and prudently. Be flexible to take on other duties related to the job function.

• Mobility and movement:
  Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, and sit. Repetitive finger and manual dexterity required.
• Sensory and communication:
  Ability to speak, hear, and see (with correction) to perform essential job functions.
• Physical exertion:
  Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs; frequently up to 20 lbs; constantly up to 10 lbs.
• Work environment:
  Exposure to odors, dust, poor ventilation, workspace restrictions, blood borne pathogens, and loud noises.
• Accommodation:
  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The above job description represents key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the school/department.

Updated 9/2/25