Paraprofessional - Transition Program

Marquette-Alger RESA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Paraprofessional, you are more than an assistant, you are a mentor, an advocate, and a vital bridge between a student’s potential and their success. You will be working in one of Marquette-Alger RESA’s Specialized Classrooms (Superior Shores, Teaching Family Homes, or Great Lakes Recovery Centers) OR in one of the Transition Classrooms (programming for adults with disabilities ages 18-26). You will provide the hands-on support-both academic and emotional-that students with disabilities, behavioral challenges and/or mental health needs required to achieve their goals as well as personal care services (toileting, medication administration, feeding, etc.).. You will work in lockstep with teachers and other classroom staff to create a safe, structured, and joyful learning environment tailored to the needs of each student.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
Strong written and verbal skills, including ability to explain a student’s progress clearly to a teacher and document behavioral data accurately.
Proficient in everyday technology, including Google Suite (Docs, Sheets), Zoom, and basic classroom software.

Nice To Haves

An Associate Degree or 60+ credit hours in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field (meeting in Michigan Title I Paraprofessional requirements).
Valid CPR/First Aid certification.
Experience working with individuals with special needs

Responsibilities

Deliver 1:1 and small-group instruction to reinforce concepts and help students master academic goals.
Use modeling, shaping, and prompting techniques to help students gain the confidence to do things on their own.
Assist students and teachers with general classroom technology and specialized assistive devices.
Support students in various settings (school and community).
Actively monitor and execute Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) with precision and empathy.
Support students through emotional and behavioral challenges by teaching coping skills and modeling appropriate social interventions.
Maintain Handle with Care certification (provided) to safely manage and de-escalate crisis situations, prioritizing student, and staff safety at all times.
Positive Reinforcement: Help maintain a classroom culture that is orderly, healthy, and rooted in positive behavioral support.
Work closely with teachers, therapists (Physical, Occupational, Speech), and administrators to provide a seamless “continuum of service.”
Communicate student progress and needs regularly with the teaching team and as directed, with parents and guardians.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all student and workplace matters, holding the dignity of all of our families.
Help the teacher plan and prepare materials for daily activities to keep the classroom running smoothly.
Assist in maintaining accurate student records and data collection for progress monitoring.
Supervise students across all environments to ensure a safe learning space; follow all specific safety and emergency procedures.
Act as a Job Coach, as needed, at a variety of community businesses and organizations: to independently support students at Work-Based Learning experiences.
Assist, as needed, with moving/lifting books/materials or physically intervening during a behavioral crisis to ensure safety.
Support students with learning to utilize public transportation options, such as the Marq-Tran Bus; this includes waiting for the bus with students in all weather conditions.
Assist students with using a wheelchair lift, as needed. Assist students with personal care needs, including toileting, medication administration, feeding, etc. as needed.
A genuine desire and readiness to support adolescents and adults with significant behavioral and mental health challenges as well as significant physical and cognitive disabilities.
High-level teamwork skills, including the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback from the Lead Teacher regarding student support strategies.
Ability to stay calm during chaotic or emotionally charged situations.
Proficient in everyday technology, including Google Suite (Docs, Sheets), Zoom, and basic classroom software.