Educational Supports and Intervention (ESI) Paraeducator (Jr/Sr High)

Schoolcraft Community Schools•Schoolcraft, MI

20d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Educational Supports and Intervention Supervisor, the ESI Paraeducator provides instructional and behavioral support to students with diverse learning needs in secondary classroom settings. The role helps students in grades 7–12 access grade-level curriculum by implementing differentiated instruction and accommodations across general education and special education environments. The paraeducator also supports students’ academic, behavioral, organizational, social-emotional, personal care, and mobility needs while promoting safety, inclusion, dignity, and independence. The position is full-time, follows the school calendar of approximately 180 instructional days, and has regular school hours, with occasional staff meetings, professional development sessions, and potentially district-provided training days before the school year. Employment is through EDUStaff for the 2026–27 school year. Salary is based on experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated competency for highly qualified status through a WorkKeys test or ETS Paraprofessional Assessment, and/or an associate degree or 60 college credits.
Experience working with middle and high school students, particularly students with disabilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with students and staff in a middle and high school environment.
Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude when working with students with challenging behaviors and diverse learning styles.
Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse student backgrounds, experiences, and needs.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building supportive, respectful relationships with students.
Organizational skills and attention to detail for data collection, documentation, and implementation of IEPs.
Ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team across classrooms and content areas.
Ability to adapt support strategies to individual student needs and learning profiles.
Ability to problem-solve independently and recognize when guidance is needed.
Discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information and sensitive situations.
Emotional resilience and ability to remain calm in stressful or escalating situations while modeling appropriate responses.
Ability to receive feedback constructively and implement suggested changes.
Flexibility to adjust to varied schedules, multiple classroom environments, and changing student needs.
Ability to lift, carry, and/or assist with transferring students weighing up to 50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to physically assist with student positioning, transfers, and mobility support, including use of gait belts, mechanical/hydraulic lifts, and other adaptive equipment as trained.
Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to support students with physical, sensory, or medical needs.
Fingerprinting and successful completion of a criminal records review before being hired to work in contact with children.

Nice To Haves

Some college coursework in education.
Basic understanding of assistive technology and willingness to learn new digital tools.
Willingness to engage in ongoing professional growth and implement research-based practices.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one and small-group instructional support across content areas in general education and special education settings for grades 7–12.
Support students in accessing secondary curriculum, including English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies.
Implement behavior intervention plans and collect data on student progress using district-approved methods and technology.
Help students develop organizational skills, study habits, executive functioning strategies, self-advocacy, and increasing independence in academic routines, self-management, and post-secondary readiness.
Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment that supports student success and independence.
Assist with personal care and mobility needs identified in students’ IEPs or health care plans, including toileting, feeding, hygiene, positioning, and physical transfers, using approved techniques and equipment as trained while promoting dignity and independence.
Collect and record student performance and behavior data for progress monitoring and IEP goal tracking.
Collaborate with special education staff, general education teachers, and related service providers to adapt instructional materials to individual student needs.
Support students with social and emotional demands of secondary school, including peer relationships and conflict resolution.
Supervise students during transitions, lunch periods, and other assigned non-instructional times.
Assist with crisis intervention and de-escalation according to protocols, including trauma-informed practices.
Maintain confidentiality of student information and records in accordance with FERPA.
Assist in implementing assistive technology solutions for students.
Participate in required professional development and team meetings.
Perform other duties assigned by the Educational Supports and Intervention Supervisor.