Therapeutic School Classroom Paraprofessional

Heartspring Inc • Wichita, KS

7d • $16 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

Heartspring is seeking skilled and dependable Paraprofessionals to support students with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities in our therapeutic school. In this hands-on role, you'll work alongside teachers, therapists, and other professionals to help students build academic, communication, social, behavioral, and independent living skills.

Requirements

• High school diploma required
• 1+ years of experience working with children, individuals with disabilities, autism, special education, behavioral health, childcare, or direct care preferred
• Valid Kansas driver's license with a good driving record preferred and required to transport students in Heartspring vehicles
• Must pass a drug screening, physical, and lifting test
• DCF fingerprinting
• State and federal background checks
• Pre-employment physical and required physical abilities testing

Nice To Haves

• A passion for working with children and young adults who may need additional behavioral, developmental, or educational support
• Experience in special education, paraprofessional support, childcare, behavioral health, autism services, direct support, education, or a related field preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive, supportive relationships with students
• The ability to remain calm, composed, and professional during challenging or high-stress situations
• Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively share information with teachers, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members
• Dependability, reliability, and a strong commitment to showing up consistently for students and the team
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow individualized plans, instructions, and safety procedures
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Good judgment and the ability to respond appropriately during behavioral, health, or emergency situations
• Comfort using computers, tablets, and other technology for communication, training, and documentation
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and treating students with dignity and respect

Responsibilities

• Work directly with students with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities in a therapeutic school environment
• Provide individualized and small-group support to help students achieve academic, communication, social, behavioral, and functional living goals
• Assist teachers and therapeutic teams with implementing individualized education programs, Student Support Plans, structured activities, and daily classroom routines
• Support students with activities of daily living (ADLs) and help build greater independence with communication, self-help, social, and functional life skills
• Provide positive reinforcement and individualized support to encourage student participation, engagement, and progress
• Observe student progress and behaviors and communicate important information, changes, or concerns with teachers, supervisors, and members of the student's interdisciplinary team
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, behavioral professionals, nursing, and other team members to provide consistent support and continuity of care
• Help maintain a structured, safe, and nurturing classroom environment
• Support students during behavioral challenges or crisis situations using Heartspring's established training and intervention techniques
• Maintain accurate documentation while protecting student confidentiality
• Follow Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) requirements, Heartspring policies, safety procedures, and other applicable regulations

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 5 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 10 Paid holidays
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid training and ongoing professional development
• Opportunities to grow your experience in special education, autism services, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities
• Mission-driven work where you can make a meaningful difference in a student's life every day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED