Special Education Intensive Instructional Paraprofessional, Collins Middle School, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY 2025-2026]

Salem Public Schools•Salem, MA

56d•Onsite

About The Position

Paraprofessionals will assist teachers and/or other certified personnel in providing an innovative, high quality education program designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities in the Salem Public Schools. Paraprofessionals will work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key factors. In addition to sound reasoning and good organizational skills, paraprofessionals are expected to contribute to positive school culture and climate. Paraprofessionals are district-wide employees and subject to the negotiated Paraprofessional Contract, as well as the rules and regulations of Salem Public Schools The position may include some personal care, lifting, feeding, academic support, behavioral interventions and the use of technology. The right person for this position is eager to work with middle school children, is dependable, organized, flexible and willing to learn through hands-on experience, reading and workshop trainings and also through consultation and observation with clinicians and specialists.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Forty-eight (48) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate's Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/) or WorkKeys
Safety-Care Trained or willing to be trained (District will provide training)
Minimum of one year experience working with elementary-aged children
Current authorization to work in the United States
Safety Care Trained or willing to be trained (training provided by District)
Must be physically capable of and willing to engage in restraint, bending, and lifting as required to meet unique student needs
Assist in toileting and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) skills, if needed and as determined by student need
The selected candidate must have the skills, abilities and aptitude to meet all unique needs of their assigned students.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ABA techniques advantageous, but training provided
Second language (Spanish and/or Portuguese) proficiency a plus
Bilingual candidates and candidates of color strongly encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Demonstrate an understanding of assigned students profile and learning needs, read student IEPs and engage in related PD
Support and collaborate with the general education and special education teachers on an ongoing basis
Reinforce lessons with individual or small groups of students
Assist with classroom management & supervision
Administer behavior modification programs/point systems, including data taking and discrete trials under the direction of the classroom teacher
Assist teacher in implementing accommodations and specialized strategies for instruction and skill reinforcement
Cover classroom during teacher absence
Facilitate play and social interactions and model language between peers
Escort and assist students as needed throughout the building, on community-based experiences, during lunch/recess and on/off the bus
Follow direction of supervisor and assure safety of students at all times
Assist with acclimating students to technology and personal learning devices to enable them to access remote instruction.
Other duties as prescribed by building administrative staff and PPS Executive Director, as described within the Paraprofessional contract
Attend district and building professional development and training