LAUNCH program Special Education Paraprofessional

CESA 6•Town of Algoma, WI

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The LAUNCH Special Education Paraprofessional supports students with significant behavioral, emotional, social, and academic needs in a highly supportive alternative education setting. This role is grounded in the belief that students must feel safe, connected, and regulated before they are ready to learn. Working under the direction of the LAUNCH Special Education Teacher and reporting to the Director of Alternative Placement, the paraprofessional provides direct student support, assists with individualized programming, and helps maintain a safe, structured, and relationship-centered learning environment. Students in the LAUNCH Program present with significant social-emotional, behavioral, and academic needs that require intensive intervention, consistency, and a highly individualized environment. The paraprofessional plays a critical role in helping students stabilize, regulate, build trust, and re-engage in learning through the program pillars of Safety, Connection, Regulation, and Skill Building. This position requires a professional who is trauma-informed, relationship-driven, calm under pressure, skilled in de-escalation, flexible in responding to student needs, and committed to helping students make meaningful progress through high-support, individualized programming. The paraprofessional collaborates closely with teacher(s), related service staff, and administration to ensure students receive consistent support throughout the school day.

Requirements

High School diploma.
Special Education Program Aide certification from the WI Department of Public Instruction, which can be applied for after hire and is reimbursable.
Current knowledge of specific disabilities, including trauma informed care & de-escalation strategies, appropriate instructional techniques/methods, positive behavioral interventions, and effective classroom organization.
Certification in Crisis Prevention Institute Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI/NVCI) training preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.
Prior experience working with students with intensive needs in behavioral self-contained classrooms, alternative education programs, or specialized support settings preferred.
Model the core values of the agency.
Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with diverse work teams.
Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate an overall work environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure, build positive relationships, and respond flexibly to changing student needs.
Positive attitude, growth mindset and solution focused.
Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures consistently and objectively.
Excellent time-management with ability to manage schedules and meet deadlines.
Work accurately with close attention to detail.
Exhibit a high degree of confidentiality of sensitive information and process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Work effectively, professionally and tactfully with internal agency staff and external clients.
Ability to set and meet high standards of customer service (internal and external).
Exhibit a professional, businesslike appearance and demeanor.
Computer skills, including email, Google Drive, word processing and virtual meetings.
Professionally represent the agency and public, private and parochial school districts in interactions with staff, customers and community.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Crisis Prevention Institute Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI/NVCI) training preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.
Prior experience working with students with intensive needs in behavioral self-contained classrooms, alternative education programs, or specialized support settings preferred.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with a strong teaching/support team involving a variety of educational professionals.
Contribute to a positive, student-centered team environment focused on safety, connection, and student success.
Provide direct support to students with emotional, behavioral, social, and academic challenges while helping them develop appropriate coping, regulation, and social skills.
Assist students individually and in small-group settings with instructional tasks, engagement, and completion of learning activities.
Support the classroom teacher in all aspects of classroom management, preparation and implementation of current teaching strategies.
Support the classroom teacher in implementing individualized plans, classroom routines, behavior supports, and instructional strategies.
Help maintain a safe, structured, positive, and nurturing learning environment that attends to students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Utilize trauma-informed practices and approved de-escalation strategies, including NVCI training methods, when needed.
Build positive relationships with students through patience, consistency, encouragement, and trust-based interactions.
Use NVCI Training methods when the need arises.
Complete clerical and documentation tasks including attendance, daily behavior tracking, data collection, and updating student files with academic, medical, and behavioral information.
Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness in addressing changing student needs throughout the school day.
Take responsibility for professional growth based on feedback, research and best practice.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and sensitive information in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.