After-School Lead Instructor​/Paraprofessional

Job Title

ASAP After‑School Lead Instructor/Paraprofessional (3221)

Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor or Coordinator (depending on placement), provide a safe and caring environment and support instructors in leading enrichment and recreational activities for children enrolled in the Natick After School Activities Program, a creative, community service‑oriented environment. The Lead Instructor (Paraprofessional) is responsible for providing individual support to one or more children.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• High School Graduate or G.E.D.

• Two years or more of experience working with youth in an organized setting. Special Education experience preferred.
• Ability to provide individual support to children with special needs, manage crises, and communicate effectively with families.
• Experienced in using de‑escalation practices.
• Current Safety‑Care certification preferred.

• Demonstrated aptitude for the work to be performed
• Passion for working with students, families, and colleagues
• Flexible and collaborative
• Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced, supportive environment that nurtures student growth

• Phone, intercom, radios, personal computer, scanner, copy machine, calculator, camera, printers

• Provide educational, enrichment, and recreational activities to students as directed by the Site Supervisor.
• Observe and manage student behavior according to program procedures; report progress and concerns to the Site Supervisor.
• Be alert and sensitive to the individual needs of the children, maintain physical and emotional safety, and support each child in developing social skills. Treat all children and families with kindness and respect.
• Be familiar with the parents of assigned students and greet families at pick‑up every day.
• Assist with the following tasks:
• Set up and put away equipment (outside and inside).
• Clean activity and storage spaces; leave all areas clean and free of trash/debris.
• Preparation and clean‑up of daily activities.
• Follow all health and safety procedures; report all injuries and incidents to the Supervisor and document them. Be familiar with protocols and evacuation strategies for fire, lockdown, or other building emergencies.
• Maintain a count of children in the assigned group at all times.
• Know signs of child abuse and responsibilities as a mandated reporter; understand the definition and signs of bullying.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all information about program children and families.
• Participate in staff meetings; attend various training sessions as assigned.
• Perform with accuracy, thoroughness, and follow‑through.

In addition to the responsibilities above, a Lead Instructor (Paraprofessional) must:

• Directly supervise/know the location of assigned child(ren) at all times.
• Provide emotional and social support including social etiquette.
• Foster inclusion by helping students build skills that allow them to safely and successfully participate and have fun.
• Scaffold learning to allow students to become increasingly independent (avoid creating or maintaining an environment conducive to a sense of “helplessness”).
• Be ready to play with students throughout the day.
• Develop accommodations for safety and inclusion that align with the student(s) IEP/behavioral plan; if appropriate, create goals.
• Maintain rapport with all students and staff.
• May help other staff cultivate ideas for activities and special events and/or provide feedback on accommodations to make activities inclusive.

Any other relative duties as assigned.

• Move about the classroom, school, school grounds, office, outside, and/or off‑site locations.
• On some occasions, it may be necessary to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.
• Remain in a stationary position for periods of time.
• Operate a computer and other school/office productivity machinery (e.g., iPad, copy machine, computer printer, assistive technology).
• Read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids.
• Position oneself to maintain files and access school/classroom/office…