K-12 | Special Education Paraprofessional (Tempe)

Accel • Tempe, AZ

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About The Position

Accel is a private, nonprofit organization serving children and young adults with special needs, ages 5–22, through individualized educational, therapeutic, vocational, behavioral, life skills, and transitional services. The Special Education Paraprofessional works closely with a classroom teacher to support students with varied learning, communication, physical, and behavioral needs, individually or in small groups, in a structured, hands-on setting. The role calls for patience, consistency, flexibility, and a genuine interest in supporting people with special needs.

The paraprofessional helps students develop independence, supports academic and social goals outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), follows behavior intervention plans, and records real-time data about student progress, observations, and behaviors. The role also supports classroom instruction and routines, personal care, meal preparation and prescribed feeding programs, and transitions between activities or settings.

This is a 10-month position running August through May, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. School breaks and federal holidays are observed, and school breaks are paid. The active role involves standing, walking, potentially running, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Paraprofessionals must successfully complete QBS Safety Care Crisis Intervention Training.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Successful completion of a required background check is a condition of employment.
• Must successfully complete QBS Safety Care Crisis Intervention Training.
• Comfort supporting behavior management strategies under the guidance of trained staff.
• Able to stand, walk, potentially run, and move throughout the day.
• Able to bend and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Work with the classroom teacher to support students with learning, communication, physical, and behavioral needs, one-on-one or in small groups.
• Help students build independence through emotional regulation, social skills practice, and progress toward academic goals in their IEPs.
• Follow behavior intervention plans consistently and compassionately.
• Collect real-time data on student progress, observations, and behaviors for the IEP process.
• Set up and maintain centers, stations, and instructional materials.
• Assist students with personal hygiene and toileting routines.
• Assist with meal preparation and implementation of prescribed feeding programs.
• Support transitions between activities, classrooms, and programs.
• Collaborate with the classroom teacher on lesson plans and paperwork to help the classroom run smoothly.

Benefits

• Paid school breaks, including fall, Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.
• Federal holidays observed, often resulting in three-day weekends.
• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and supplemental insurance options.
• Paid time off and paid sick leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Health Savings Account options.

What This Job Offers

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