Education Paraprofessional

Youth Villages•Douglasville, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families. As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully. For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org Program Overview: Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior. Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Education Paraprofessional: Plans for individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and other skills Participates in training and in-service activities Administers and interprets testing to determine academic needs Develops and uses a variety of teaching techniques by offering 1-on-1 and small group instruction Produces lesson plans that reflect the individual educational needs of students Prepares reports in compliance with school guidelines Maintains tutoring documentation, progress notes, attendance records, and grade scores in a timely manner Provides daily classroom instruction and experiential projects with K-6 students who have significant developmental delays and behavioral challenges Oversees independent and guided practices for special education students Supports teachers in providing differentiation in instruction for challenged and struggling students Follows IEP goals and objectives, accommodations, and documentation procedures Carries out duties to assist the Day Teachers and/or by request from the Principal Performs other duties as assigned Our schools operate year-round. Small class sizes allow more one on one attention to individual students and their educational needs. The standard Youth Villages class size ranges from 8 to 15 youth. Additional Information: The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility. Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds. Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation. Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED (required)
Must have or be eligible for Paraprofessional Certification (required)
Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree (preferred)
Experience working in a school setting (strongly preferred)
Experience working with children with severe emotional and behavioral needs (plus)

Responsibilities

Plans for individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and other skills
Participates in training and in-service activities
Administers and interprets testing to determine academic needs
Develops and uses a variety of teaching techniques by offering 1-on-1 and small group instruction
Produces lesson plans that reflect the individual educational needs of students
Prepares reports in compliance with school guidelines
Maintains tutoring documentation, progress notes, attendance records, and grade scores in a timely manner
Provides daily classroom instruction and experiential projects with K-6 students who have significant developmental delays and behavioral challenges
Oversees independent and guided practices for special education students
Supports teachers in providing differentiation in instruction for challenged and struggling students
Follows IEP goals and objectives, accommodations, and documentation procedures
Carries out duties to assist the Day Teachers and/or by request from the Principal
Performs other duties as assigned