Para Special Education High Incidence (2026-2027 School Year)

Wichita Public School•Wichita, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of an administrator and the direction of certificated or licensed staff, the Para Special Education High Incidence assists teachers in educating students through instructional support, organization, record keeping, behavior management, classroom safety, and communication. Students served may have cognitive, communication, social, behavioral, or emotional disabilities and may need academic or adaptive behavior skills instruction. The paraeducator supports students in classroom and regular education settings, helps implement Individual Education Plans and behavior plans, and assists with students’ academic, adaptive, communication, self-advocacy, and personal-care needs. The position requires collaboration with teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and other internal and external customers. Employees are expected to provide professional, responsive service, maintain confidentiality, follow approved work schedules and appearance standards, and acquire required in-service hours. Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required. The role is non-exempt and may involve physical activity and responding to emergencies to support student and staff safety.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
For paras working in a Title School, at least 48 accredited college credits verified by transcript or passing a state-approved assessment.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with people inside and outside the organization.
Ability to communicate with a supervisor when their discretion is needed.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and collaborate, resolve conflict, and communicate with others.
Ability to plan, organize, make decisions, prioritize work, and meet daily building demands.
Flexibility, responsiveness, good judgment, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with professional dress and appearance standards.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students, staff, and parents.
Ability to develop and deliver training to meet the targeted needs of an identified audience.
Ability to work in various weather conditions and respond immediately to emergencies, potentially including use of physical restraint techniques.
Ability to walk long distances; stand for extended periods; bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps, and reach overhead; and sustain a full day of physical activity.
Ability to see and hear well and lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds.
Some positions require in-service, training, or coursework in first aid, symptoms of child abuse, and/or symptoms and signs of illness.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of sign-language modalities, Braille, NCI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention), or other special skills may be required for some positions.
Paras are encouraged to take advantage of in-services provided by the building or district.

Responsibilities

Supervise students in class settings and during school activities on or off campus as directed by the teacher.
Assist with classroom routines, procedures, physical setup, group instruction, projects, and activities.
Support behavior interventions, redirect behavior, respond to and help defuse crisis situations, document occurrences, implement student behavior plans, and observe and chart student behavior as instructed.
Assist students traveling between assigned areas, buses, and classrooms, and support integration into regular education classrooms.
Provide individual or group instruction in academic areas after the teacher’s initial instruction, including support for student engagement, questioning, discussion, technology use, and self-advocacy.
Assist with child development, language acquisition, curriculum integration, instructional design and follow-through, and development and implementation of Individual Education Plans.
Assist with planning and implementing community-based instruction and demonstrate knowledge of district resources.
Provide feedback to students and teachers and communicate with students, parents, instructional staff, and support staff as directed.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student and staff information; model appropriate behavior and maintain professional relationships with teachers and staff.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, PLCs, and parent conferences as required.
Complete required annual in-service hours: at least 20 hours annually, reduced to at least 10 hours after three years.
Assist with student transportation, including travel between buildings when necessary, and support bus drivers until departure time.
Assist with students’ medical needs under the direct supervision of the school nurse or another appropriate professional.
Assist students with basic needs, including self-care, hygiene, feeding (which may include tube feeding), toileting, diapering, dressing, and physical transfers.
Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor.
Follow USD 259 equipment-use guidelines and use required classroom or office equipment.
Maintain punctuality, work assigned schedules unless approved leave is granted, and meet professional dress and appearance expectations.