Paraprofessionals/Teacher Assistant SY 26-27 (Part-time - one-year-only)

Portsmouth School Department•Portsmouth, RI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional/Teacher Assistant supports teachers with instructional duties and helps provide a safe learning environment. The role works in a classroom with small groups or individual students, assisting them with academic, self-help, communication, mobility, socialization, self-regulation, and positive behavioral interaction skills. The position involves working collaboratively with classroom and support professionals, building effective relationships with students and adults, and demonstrating patience, consistency, flexibility, tolerance, and empathy. Specialized instructional or therapeutic duties may be unique to a student or classroom and can be learned on the job; job-embedded professional development may be provided through an outside consultant as determined by the administration. The available positions involve working with students who have social-emotional learning needs. This is a part-time position for the 2026–2027 school year only. The schedule is 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The position reports to the Classroom Teacher/Building Principal and is located in the Portsmouth School Department.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Maintain the strictest standard of confidentiality.
Hold a valid paraprofessional certificate with instructional qualifications required by the Rhode Island Department of Education, or provide proof of registration in an approved RIDE Teacher Assistant Training Course.
Complete a RIDE-approved Teacher Assistant Pre-Employment Training Program, unless qualifying for an exception based on out-of-state teacher assistant certification or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree plus coursework or training consistent with program standards.
Meet one of the following: pass the ParaPro Assessment; complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or obtain an associate’s degree or higher.
Be able to participate in Safety Care training and serve as part of a Safety Care team.
Work with all children in a sensitive and effective manner.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions, learn assigned duties readily, and adhere to classroom procedures.
Be able to assist with lifting and/or toileting and follow an applicable toileting plan.
Attend Safety Care training.
Pass a National Criminal Records Check with no disqualifying information; a Rhode Island criminal background check is required upon a conditional offer of employment.
Complete a pre-employment physical.
Meet the position’s physical requirements, including communicating and exchanging information, operating a computer keyboard, handling paper, observing students and documents, meeting multiple demands and deadlines, remaining stationary for extended periods, moving as needed to maintain a safe learning environment, retrieving items, and moving or transporting moderately heavy objects.
Demonstrate stamina to work irregular or extended hours, including a full day followed by meetings or evening events, as required.

Responsibilities

Follow Portsmouth School Department policies and promote the District’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
Assist with small-group and individual classroom instruction.
Follow teacher direction when assisting or supporting other students in the classroom or building.
Assist with data collection procedures and provide transitional support to students.
Demonstrate knowledge of disabilities covered by IDEA.
Assist with differential reinforcement and appropriate alternative responses in behavior programs or plans.
Use prompting and redirection strategies, follow routines, use picture schedules, and respond consistently to students.
Attend to children’s personal needs, including dressing, washing, feeding, and diaper changing.
Use essential computer and technology applications as required.
Prioritize and respond professionally and efficiently to students’ and teachers’ needs and requests.
Support students’ social-emotional learning, implement team-developed behavior intervention plans, and track required data.
Perform duties specific to supporting students with developmental, cognitive, learning, physical, or social-emotional disabilities.
Assist with student supervision during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other activities as needed.
Work collegially with other professionals to help create and maintain a positive learning environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Assist with lifting and/or toileting, and follow a toileting plan when a primary student support person is absent, as applicable.