Paraeducator - Severe Needs [4 positions] en Holyoke Public Schools

Job Description:

• Provide 1:1 support to a student or group of students with autism or other significant needs, delivering consistent reinforcement of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral goals using evidence-based practices.

• Implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies, including prompting, reinforcement, task analysis, and error correction as trained and directed.

• Collect daily data on student behavior and skill acquisition to support progress monitoring and inform instruction.

• Reinforce learning of materials and skills initially introduced by the teacher, therapists, and service providers, ensuring fidelity to the student’s IEP and behavior intervention plan (BIP).

• Operate and care for instructional equipment and assistive technology; help students use specialized tools and learning materials.

  Support the implementation of individualized behavior modification programs; document behavioral data with consistency and professionalism (daily and weekly logs).

• Supervise and support students during emergency drills, transitions, lunch, breakfast, field trips, and other school-based activities.

  Provide mobility and personal care support, including toileting, diapering, wash-ups, and tooth brushing as needed.

• Assist with feeding, lunch/snack routines, and clean-up, promoting independence and self-care skills.

• Meet the bus upon arrival and assist students with entering/exiting the school safely, including breakfast and transition routines.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, related service providers, and support staff to create a safe, consistent, and supportive learning environment tailored to students with autism and high needs.

• Demonstrate patience, consistency, and empathy while maintaining high expectations and clear boundaries.

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all safety, procedural, and ethical guidelines.

  Other duties as assigned by the Principal and Assistant Principal.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree or higher; OR Completing at least two years, or 48 credit hours of study at an institution of higher education; OR taking and passing a formal assessment measuring one’s knowledge of and ability to assist classroom teachers in reading, writing, and mathematics. (WorkKeys or Parapro Assessment)
• Training or experience working with Special Needs Students preferred
• Experience working in an urban setting, preferred
• Experience working with diverse student populations, preferred
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply student performance data to instructional planning and execution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent teamwork skills 
• Bilingual applicants (Spanish) are strongly encouraged to apply.