Special Education Paraprofessional; SSA

Student Services Assistant (SSA)

The Student Services Assistant (SSA) plays a critical role in supporting students with diverse learning needs in both general education and special education settings under the direction of certified staff. SSAs assist students in achieving academic, functional, and behavioral success through reinforcement of instructional strategies, classroom support, and general supervision. While physical management is not a required responsibility of this role, SSAs must be comfortable working with students who may have emotional and behavioral challenges and must be able to implement de-escalation strategies as part of a team approach.

SSAs may assist with adaptive skills (such as mobility support, toileting, feeding, and medical needs) for students who are not in the BEST or STRIVE programs. Additionally, SSAs, particularly in the early childhood (ELC) and early elementary settings, may often be required and expected to assist with bath rooming and personal hygiene skills as part of students' developmental learning and self-care routines.

SSAs placed at the high school level and Barrington Transition Program (BTP) can also serve as job coaches, supporting students in learning, developing, and maintaining job-related skills for workplace readiness and transition activities.

These SSAs will help students:
Follow job-related expectations and responsibilities in school-based and community work settings. Practice workplace social skills, including communication, problem-solving, and self-advocacy. Ensure students understand and follow employer expectations, safety procedures, and task completion strategies. Support students in using appropriate accommodations and modifications in work settings. Assist in data collection and progress monitoring related to job performance and independence.

Reports To:

Principal, TOSA and/or designee

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Instructional & Academic Support
• Provide academic reinforcement to individuals or small groups of students under the direction of the classroom teacher or special education staff.
• Assist in implementing instructional accommodations and modifications for students based on IEP goals.
• Support students in accessing general education curriculum, life skills instruction, and functional learning activities.
• Prepare, reproduce, and organize classroom materials as directed by certified staff.
• Check student work for completion and accuracy, providing additional guidance as needed.
• Assist with communication and social interactions to help students engage in learning and peer activities.
• Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support
• Reinforce classroom management strategies and individualized behavior plans.
• Provide general behavior support and reinforcement of self-regulation strategies.
• Assist in modeling and encouraging positive social interactions, problem-solving, and appropriate peer engagement.
• Support students with emotional or behavioral challenges and implement strategies provided by certified staff.
• Implement de-escalation strategies to help maintain a positive learning environment.
• Adaptive & Daily Living Support
• Assist students with adaptive skills, including mobility support, toileting, feeding, and medical needs, when working with students outside of the BEST/STRIVE programs.
• SSAs, especially in early childhood (ELC) and early elementary settings, may often be required and expected to support bath rooming and personal hygiene skills as part of student self-care development.
• Encourage and facilitate student independence with self-care routines as appropriate.
• Workplace Readiness & Job Coaching (High School & Transition Program)
• Assist students in learning and maintaining job-related tasks in school and community job placements.
• Model appropriate workplace behavior and social skills for students in vocational settings.
• Provide direct coaching and guidance to students as they complete job tasks and interact with supervisors and co-workers.
• Support students in problem-solving workplace challenges and self-advocating for accommodations when needed.
• Ensure students follow work schedules, safety protocols, and employer expectations.
• Collaborate with…