Education Support Professional; Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorder; ASD), Developmenta

Education Support Professional (Special

Education:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD))

Position Title: Education Support Professional, Special Education

Assignment

Location:

Dakota County Technical Center, Rosemount, MN (supporting students in the Transitional Ed Service Alternative Program (TESA))

Hours per Day: 7.5 Hours

Schedule: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, following school calendar as assigned

Anticipated

Start Date:

August 26, 2026

Starting Pay Rate: $22.55 per hour (Education Support Professionals Contract)

Under the guidance of the classroom teacher and direct supervision of program assistant directors/principals, Education Support Professionals aid students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP) goals in areas such as educational, communication, emotional, physical, and behavioral. They work with students individually and in small groups on these goal areas, along with additional goals set by speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health practitioners, and other professionals.

Paraprofessionals work one-on-one with a specific student throughout the workday, modeling and encouraging respect, communication, and competency during student work tasks and socialization. Professionalism, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach are essential to ensure student safety and growth and help them exhibit appropriate behaviors at school and in the community. The role is performed following district policy and state/federal laws.

• Assist classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Adapt instructional materials, equipment, or strategies under the direction of the teacher or other professionals to provide differentiated instruction and meet student needs.
• Implement charting, data collection, paperwork preparation, and other monitoring techniques to ensure student success in behavioral, social, and educational areas.
• Assist licensed staff in implementing classroom management and behavioral interventions, creating an environment appropriate for learning.
• Utilize proactive behavior management techniques, reinforcing positive behaviors, using de-escalation techniques, and redirecting inappropriate behaviors. May be required to use physical restraints.
• Assist student in daily routine including personal care, mobility, daily living, escorting during arrival and departure, special classes or therapy, and supervision in school areas such as lunch, playground, or gym, and at school-related activities off-site.
• Facilitate activities with a student or small group under the direction of the teacher, therapist, or other related services staff.
• Assist students in developing appropriate social skills and behavior through modeling, lessons, incentive plans, and charting.
• Help maintain safety of all students and the environment.
• Collaborate with related service personnel, teachers, fellow assistants, and other program/school staff to meet student needs and maintain a positive work environment.
• Participate in training/in-service as assigned, in accordance with the contract.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

• Willingness and ability to work with students receiving a high level of special education services.
• Must be highly qualified: at least two years of study at an institution of higher education with ability to provide transcripts showing 60 completed semester credits, an associate’s degree (or higher), OR a passing score on the Para Pro assessment.
• Previous experience working with children and/or individuals with special needs, with general knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in the teaching of students. Other work history may be considered.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team with staff, parents, and community through building and maintaining collaborative and positive relationships.
• Willingness to complete training in Professional Crisis Management and implement restrictive procedures.
• Ability to obtain PCA certification from the Department of Human Services.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication that is maintained during high-stress and crisis situations.
• Ability and desire to work with assistive technology.
• Basic computer and email skills. Proficient in core educational subject areas.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds weight and up to adult-size body weight with a two-to-three-person lift.
• Ability to support a student's full body weight up to adult size.
• Frequently requires standing, walking, lifting, bending, leaning, and repetitive motions.
• Occasionally requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to tolerate sudden jarring movement.
• Work may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions and blood borne pathogens and may require wearing personal protective equipment.
• Locations are generally moderately noisy.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Intermediate School District 917 is an equal…