KEYS Academy Paraprofessional

HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC•Petersburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Team at KEYS Academy, Supported by Health Connect America! KEYS Academy is a network of Private Special Education Day schools serving students across Virginia in grades K–12. Guided by the principles of Safety, Dignity, and Opportunity and rooted in trauma informed care, our schools provide structured, supportive learning environments where students build academic skills, strengthen social-emotional development and self-regulation, set and meet achievable goals, and rediscover confidence in learning. Through small classroom settings and individualized support, our teams help students develop the skills needed for academic success and positive future transitions. Supported by Health Connect America; KEYS Academy combines the close-knit culture of a school community with the resources and professional support of a multi-state organization dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. KEYS Academy schools are licensed by the Virgina Department of Education and accredited through Virginia Association of Independent Special Education Facilities (VAISEF). What a Day at KEYS Academy Looks Like: In this role, you will work alongside teachers and support staff in a structured classroom environment designed to help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Each day focuses on building positive relationships and group communication skills, reinforcing learning, and helping students develop confidence through consistent practices and individualized support. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working closely with students with varied academic and social-emotional needs, supporting learning in small classroom environments, and contributing to a collaborative school team. As a KEYS Academy Paraprofessional, you will support students and teachers in creating a safe, dignified, and engaging learning environment. Working under the guidance of the School Director and classroom teacher, you will provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support that helps maximize instructional time and promote student well-being and success.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to build positive relationships with students and staff.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to maintain patience, consistency, confidentiality and professionalism in a structured classroom environment and school setting.
Ability to follow direction and work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to meet state and federal background check and clearance requirements.
Ability to perform duties within a school environment, including physical ability to be trained in behavior regulation and support programs and physical movement throughout the classroom and campus as needed.
Ability to complete required training and certifications within established timelines following hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, paraprofessional certification, or coursework in education, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.
Experience working with children or adolescents in an educational, childcare, or youth-serving environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Support a structured and culturally responsive classroom environment that promotes safety, dignity, and readiness for learning.
Assist students in understanding classroom routines, expectations for individual and group interactions, and behavioral boundaries while reinforcing positive engagement.
Provide individualized and small-group support to reinforce academic skills and learning activities directed by the teacher.
Assist with implementation of lesson activities, accommodations, and supports aligned with student IEP goals.
Help students utilize instructional tools and online learning platforms such as Courseware, Exact Path, Wilson Reading Systems, Reflex Math, and LEXIA.
Help students understand and apply the social -emotional and communication strategies embedded within the KEYS for a Big Life and Social Thinking curricula.
Provide encouragement and feedback that supports students’ academic participation, social-emotional development and behavior regulation.
Collaborate with teachers and school staff to support student success and maintain consistent classroom practices.
Assist with supervision during classroom transitions, lunch, recreation, and school activities, including community-based experiences as assigned.
Support classroom preparation, organization of materials, and daily operational needs of the learning environment.
Assist with documentation, data collection, and communication related to student progress as directed by the classroom teacher.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success and school operations.