Education Support Professional

Position Title
:
Education Support Professional, Special Education

Assignment Location
:
Lincoln Center in South Saint Paul, MN (Dakota Alternative for Severely Handicapped (DASH) Program)

Hours per Day
: 7.5

Schedule
: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 days a week

Anticipated Start Date
:
August 26, 2026

Starting Pay Rate
: $22.55 per hour

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

The role requires professionalism, empathy, and a non‑judgmental approach, fostering a safe environment for students receiving special education services.

• Assist the classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Adapt instructional materials, equipment, or strategies to provide differentiated instruction.
• Implement charting, data collection, paperwork preparation, and other monitoring techniques.
• Assist licensed staff with classroom management and behavioral interventions.
• Use proactive behavior management techniques, including de‑escalation and, if required, physical restraints.
• Assist students with daily routines, including escorting during arrival, departure, and therapy sessions; supervise in school areas and during off‑site activities.
• Facilitate activities with students or small groups under the direction of related‑service staff.
• Help students develop appropriate social skills and behavior through modeling, lessons, incentive plans, and charting.
• Maintain the safety of all students and the environment.
• Collaborate with related‑service personnel, teachers, fellow assistants, and other staff.
• Participate in training and in‑service, per contract.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Willingness and ability to work with students receiving a high level of special education services.
• Two years of higher‑education study with 60 completed semester credits, an associate’s or higher degree, or a passing Para Pro assessment score.
• Previous experience working with children or individuals with special needs, and general knowledge of related teaching practices.
• Ability to work as a team member with staff, parents, and the community.
• Willingness to complete training in Professional Crisis Management and to implement restrictive procedures.
• Ability to obtain PCA certification from the Department of Human Services.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, maintained during high‑stress and crisis situations.
• Ability and desire to work with assistive technology.
• Basic computer and email skills; proficiency in core educational subject areas.

• Lift up to 50 pounds or support a student’s full body weight.
• Stand, walk, lift, bend, lean, and perform repetitive motions frequently.
• Sit, stoop, kneel, and crouch occasionally.
• Tolerate sudden jarring movement.
• Occasionally work outdoors and be exposed to blood borne pathogens; may require personal protective equipment.
• Work in moderately noisy locations.

Intermediate School District 917 is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Procedure:
Can be completed at