Paraprofessional​/Job Coach

Position Type:
Special Education

Date Posted:
4/13/2026

Location:
District
Position: Paraprofessional/Job Coach
Reports to: Principal
Employment Status: Part-time (6-7 hours)
Status: Classified
Contract Days: 188

Description: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Paraprofessional/Job Coach to support students in both academic and real-world work environments within Garfield Heights City Schools. This role is designed to promote student independence, skill development, and successful transition outcomes by providing individualized support in the classroom and in community-based or school-based employment settings.

The Paraprofessional/Job Coach works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and community partners to implement instructional strategies, reinforce learning objectives, and support students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. This position plays a critical role in preparing students for post-secondary success by helping them develop workplace readiness skills, appropriate social behaviors, and an understanding of employer expectations.

Through structured guidance, coaching, and gradual release of support, the Paraprofessional/Job Coach empowers students to build confidence, navigate workplace environments, and achieve greater independence. The ideal candidate is adaptable, observant, and committed to fostering inclusive opportunities for all students while maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.

NOTE: The below lists are not ranked in order of importance

Essential Functions:

• Provide structured on-site job coaching to individuals with disabilities in competitive employment settings
• Apply disability etiquette and culturally responsive practices in workplace environments
• Identify critical workplace observations and intervene appropriately
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage conflict or behavioral challenges
• Support employees in understanding workplace culture, expectations, and employer policies
• Build and strengthen natural workplace supports to increase independence
• Develop and implement job coaching fade-out plans
• Collaborate professionally with supervisors and Human Resources personnel
• Support individuals with medical conditions, including epilepsy, through workplace safety planning and seizure response protocols
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Document daily progress notes using objective and measurable language
• Record incidents and performance data accurately
• Participate in HR-related discussions regarding accommodations and workplace expectations
• Assist in developing workplace accommodation strategies
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency and legal standards
• Participate in case reviews, role plays, and applied scenario simulations
• Contribute to a safe and inclusive work environment

About You:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience as a paraprofessional, Direct Support Professional (DSP), or employment support staff preferred
• Ability to complete a 21-hour training program
• Willingness to engage in interactive activities and scenario-based learning
• Commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities in inclusive employment settings

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Principles of supported and competitive employment
• Disability etiquette and cultural humility
• Workplace culture and employer expectations
• Basic understanding of ADA compliance and accommodation processes
• Task analysis and systematic instruction techniques
• Data collection and professional documentation standards
• De-escalation strategies and crisis prevention
• Seizure first aid and workplace response planning for individuals with epilepsy
• Professional communication skills
• Ethical standards and confidentiality practices
• Observe and assess workplace dynamics
• Communicate effectively with employers and coworkers
• Remain calm in high-stress situations
• Promote independence while reducing support dependency
• Write clear, objective documentation

Equipment Operated:

• Standard office equipment (computer, printer, copier)
• Documentation software or electronic record systems
• Workplace-specific tools relevant to employment settings (varies by job site)
• Communication devices and visual supports as needed
• Safety equipment consistent with workplace environments

About Our District:

The Garfield Heights City Schools collaboratively and cooperatively serve students and families of the City of Garfield Heights. Located in Cuyahoga County and bordered on the north by the City of Cleveland proper, and on all other sides by the first ring communities of Northeast Ohio. Our District proudly serves approximately 3,500 students in three Kindergarten through Grade 5 schools, one middle school, and one high school.

The district also provides an award-winning Preschool program to educate the youngest students in our community at William Foster Elementary. All those who seek academic, co-curricular, student leadership, diversity, and community engagement success,…