Special Education Intensive Instructional Paraprofessional, Salem Early Childhood Center, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY 2026-2027]

Salem Public Schools • Salem, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Salem Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Intensive Instructional Paraprofessional for the Salem Early Childhood Center for the SY 2026-2027 school year. Salem Public Schools is an urban district committed to providing an innovative, high-quality education program designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. The district values belonging, equity, and opportunity, and seeks individuals passionate about urban education and improving student achievement for all students. Paraprofessionals will work with school staff to create a positive educational environment, assist teachers, and contribute to a positive school culture. This is a district-wide position subject to the negotiated Paraprofessional Contract and district regulations. The role may involve personal care, lifting, feeding, academic support, behavioral interventions, and technology use. The ideal candidate is eager to work with middle school children, is dependable, organized, flexible, and willing to learn through various methods including hands-on experience, training, and consultation with 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 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ABA techniques
• Second language (Spanish and/or Portuguese) proficiency
• 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

Benefits

• Group Insurance Commission (GIC) benefits for full-time employees
• Health benefits

What This Job Offers

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