PreK - 12th Grade Certificated Paraprofessional

PreK - 12th Grade Certificated Paraprofessional (26-27 School Year)

This position is for the  school year. Paraprofessionals work 7.5 hours a day for 179 days each year. Paraprofessionals typically only work on days students attend. Rate of pay is based on previous years of experience in childcare or paraprofessional roles. The Fort Osage School District prioritizes high quality benefits, including optional fully paid health insurance, extra duty options and more.

There are multiple openings district-wide. Paraprofessionals will be placed based on their individual skill set and highest needs throughout the District. First day of employment would be August 20, 2026.

Must hold or be eligible for a Substitute Teaching Certificate through DESE (36 college credit hours required). In lieu of education, may consider a high school diploma with relevant experience and must pass the Para Praxis test through DESE, or complete the 20‑hour online course through DESE and attain a substitute certificate.

For questions or to learn more, contact the Human Resources Department ).

The job of Paraprofessional – Special Education is to provide support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom, in a self‑contained classroom, and in school settings; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

• Administers tests, homework, make‑up work, etc., to support teachers in the classroom.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g., diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) to meet immediate health care needs.
• Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students to maintain personal hygiene.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., behavior, instructional, interventions, first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) to acquire and/or convey information related to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel to update the progress of IEP goals.
• Escorts students (e.g., bathroom, office, classroom, bus, etc.) to ensure safe arrival to and/or from destinations at school.
• Implements behavioral plans for students under the supervision of the assigned teacher to present and reinforce learning concepts.
• Implements classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Models conversation, manners, clean‑up activities, listening skills, etc., to demonstrate appropriate and positive social and interpersonal behavior.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within various school environments (e.g., rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical duties (e.g., scheduling, copying, faxing, data entry, filing, maintaining instructional materials, etc.) to maintain structured lesson plans.
• Reports health and safety issues to the assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g., fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) to maintain students' personal safety, a positive learning environment, and comply with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.

• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Skills:

adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment and software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge: basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); understanding written procedures; speaking clearly; multi‑step written and oral instructions; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/behavior.

Abilities: scheduling activities; gathering and…