Paraeducator; Special Education Subseparate - Nelson Place School Job Worcester area,Massachusetts USA,Education / Teaching

Position: Para educator (Special Education Subseparate) - Nelson Place School 2026-2027

Para educator (Special Education Subseparate) – Nelson Place School

Starting Date: Aug 27, 2026

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Para educator (Subseparate Programs)

REPORTS TO: Principal or Designated Supervisor

LOCATION: Worcester Public Schools, Worcester, Massachusetts

This position is accountable for providing assistance to the classroom teacher and/or other certified personnel to support the instruction of all students, including those with emotional regulation and behavior challenges, mild to moderate to severe special needs, and general education students. It facilitates educational access for students with disabilities in accordance with Worcester Public Schools rules and regulations. The role requires patience, perseverance, creativity, and a desire to prepare all students for successful lives.

The position may include work with student populations in the following programs:
Autism (AU);
Creative Opportunities for Adolescents of Secondary Tier (COAST);
Language Achievement and Beyond (LAB);
Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning (SAIL);
Structured Therapeutic Education Program (STEP); and Transitional Life Skills.

Essential Job Functions

Assist the classroom teacher by reviewing, correcting and reinforcing lessons with individual and small groups of students in all content areas and in activities defined by the student’s IEP or 504 plan.

Assist in preparation and inventory of instructional materials; set up, operate and maintain classroom learning aids and equipment.

Supervise breakfast and/or lunch periods, assemblies, and clean up work areas.

Assist the classroom teacher with clerical work, including but not limited to recording daily attendance and cataloging instructional materials.

Participate and contribute to weekly, monthly and long‑range planning with the classroom teacher for instructional activities such as special days, field trips, visits and school‑wide activities.

Assist during the workday in maintaining open communication; all verbal and written communication occurs under the supervision of the teacher and/or administrator.

Maintain student confidentiality and help create an environment free from harassment and discrimination.

Supervise and support students in both structured and unstructured activities across environments throughout the day.

Contribute to a warm and open atmosphere so that all students have the opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

Serve as a guiding source of information and assist substitute teachers during the teacher’s absence.

Implement district and school‑wide rules, policies, and procedures, including individual student behavior plans.

Perform duties associated with specialty areas, including special projects that require specialized training.

Perform duty work (lunch, recess, line, bus) when required by the Building Principal, distributed equitably.

Participate in non‑violent crisis intervention training within the first year of employment.

Collect data in accordance with students’ learning goals and objectives.

Implement behavior intervention plans and manage behavior to reduce problem behavior.

Support student physical and personal care needs (lavatory routines, toileting, diapering, feeding, lifting, etc.).

Participate in professional development specific to assessment and accommodation administration.

Adhere to the district’s equal educational opportunity and non‑discrimination policy.

Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

48 undergraduate college credits, OR
Meeting or exceeding the state‑determined passing score of 464 on the Paraprofessional (Para Pro) Assessment or the Work Keys Assessment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Non‑violent crisis intervention training.
Demonstrated experience supporting students with special needs.
Ability to speak Albanian, Arabic, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, or an African language, and/or American Sign Language.

Work Schedule and Compensation

Work Year: 180 pupil days, 3 days of professional development, and 6 additional hours of staff meeting time (assigned by Principal or designated supervisor).

Work Day: 6 hours, plus a 30‑minute unpaid lunch.

Salary: Determined by the Educational Association of Worcester Para educator Bargaining Unit and the para educator salary schedule. Assignment to a secondary school adds an 18‑minute stipend worth 5% of the established salary.

Stipend: Contractual Subseparate Stipend of $1,000, prorated and paid at the end of each school year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Worcester Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or homelessness. The district provides equal access to employment and the full range of general, occupational and vocational education programs.

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