Paraeducator - PAWS Academy (K-8)

Marlborough Public Schools•Marlborough, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator supports K–8 students at PAWS Academy at Hildreth School, a public day special education therapeutic school for students whose behavioral and social-emotional needs significantly affect learning. The program provides a structured, supportive setting and uses individualized, evidence-based interventions to build self-regulation, social skills, resilience, and academic engagement. Staff collaborate with families and school teams to support students’ progress and successful transitions within their school communities. The Paraeducator assists with instruction and supervision in inclusion, small-group, individual, or sub-separate settings, under the direction of teachers, service providers, or administrators. The role includes supporting students’ academic, social, behavioral, and daily living needs in accordance with their IEPs or 504 Plans. The position may involve crisis response and physical management, including approved restraint procedures; training is provided and certification must be maintained. The Paraeducator also collects student data, communicates progress or concerns, supervises students around school facilities, and safeguards confidential information. The position works under the Building Director and/or designee, receives direction from designated special education staff, and reports to the Director of Student Services for overall functions. Salary is $24.40 per hour for the 2026–2027 school year.

Requirements

At least an associate degree, a passing Para-Pro test, or completion of 48 undergraduate credits from an accredited college or university.
Bilingual Spanish and/or Portuguese proficiency is required for English learner paraprofessional positions.
Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to lift 25 pounds occasionally and transfer heavier amounts with assistance from staff and/or student transfer apparatus.
Physical agility for frequent bending, sitting, standing, kneeling, and lifting, and occasional running.
Ability to work in indoor and outdoor settings.
Ability to work with a diverse group of student learners.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish and/or Portuguese proficiency is preferred for positions other than English learner paraprofessional positions.
Prior experience working with children in a school or similar setting.

Responsibilities

Assist with instruction and supervision of students in inclusion, small-group, individual, or sub-separate settings under the direction of teachers, service providers, or administrators.
Support students academically, socially, and behaviorally and follow the provisions of their IEPs and 504 Plans.
Assist with standardized and non-standardized testing, curriculum-based measures, and other assessments.
Support crisis management and, when needed, assist with approved restraint procedures to protect students and others.
Attend training and maintain certification in de-escalation and physical management techniques.
Collect student data and report concerns and progress information.
Escort and supervise students to and from school facilities and other areas.
Collaborate with special education, general education, English learner, and subject-area teachers and related-service staff.
Help establish a positive learning environment and respond to individual student needs.
Assist students with eating, mobility, communication, dressing, toileting, and diapering as needed.
Lift and carry learners who need support and promote independence for students with disabilities.
Protect confidential information in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA.
Perform other general duties as directed by teachers, administrators, supervisors, the Superintendent or designee, and school committee policies.