2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Hickory Hills K-8 School

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MO

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional III supports the instructional program by helping individual students reach targeted behavior goals and develop social competencies. The position assists with instruction for individual students or small groups across a variety of subject areas and monitors and reports student behavior and performance. The paraprofessional works in specialized and/or general education classrooms, supporting students’ learning, self-care, and social development under the direction of instructional staff. The role also helps maintain a safe and positive learning environment and complies with IEPs, mandated requirements, and established guidelines.

Requirements

Complete a minimum of sixty college hours or hold a certificate of completion from a DESE-approved Substitute Training program.
Obtain and maintain a Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.
Obtain and maintain physical intervention training.
Pass a Criminal Background Clearance with results satisfactory to the District.
Knowledge of basic mathematics, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; ability to read manuals, write documents in prescribed formats, present information, and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities; Special Education instructional materials and techniques; safe practices; correct English usage; communication skills; and record-keeping techniques.
Ability to perform multiple technical tasks and routinely upgrade skills as job conditions change.
Skill in operating standard office equipment and pertinent software applications and in preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Ability to read technical information and compose a variety of documents.
Ability to work with others in varied circumstances, work with data using defined but different processes, and operate equipment using defined methods.
Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups and with widely varied types and purposes of data, and to use job-related equipment.
Ability to analyze issues and create action plans; collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders; and apply critical thinking and problem-solving to improve work processes.
Ability to adhere to safety practices, meet deadlines and schedules, work under time constraints, and communicate with diverse groups.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently and to push, pull, or carry items multiple times daily.
Physical ability to work primarily with fingers; perceive sounds; make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes; exchange ideas verbally; make substantial movements with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers; and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
Required physical abilities include balancing, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Nice To Haves

Previous job-related experience preferred.
CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in specialized and/or general education classrooms with adapting, preparing, and presenting instructional materials, activities, and assignments, and presenting or reinforcing learning concepts.
Assist assigned instructional staff in improving students’ learning skills, self-care, and social development by providing learning concepts and materials.
Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and trainings to receive and convey information related to job functions.
Communicate with teachers regarding assigned students’ progress, participate in needs assessments, and assist in evaluating progress.
Document observations of student performance in academic and school activities, maintaining written records and complying with mandated requirements.
Escort students, provide direction, and ensure their welfare.
Guide students with disabilities in personal interactions and help them develop interpersonal skills and successful problem-solving strategies.
Maintain manual and electronic instructional files and records, providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.
Monitor students’ performance under the direction of the assigned classroom teacher and provide feedback to students, teachers, and others involved in providing services, in accordance with IEPs as appropriate.
Report health and safety issues to instructional or administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies to maintain students’ safety and a positive learning environment and comply with applicable requirements and guidelines.
Support students in a variety of educational environments while providing a safe and positive learning environment.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.