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Job description
Position Type:
Support Staff/Paraprofessional ~ High Needs
Date Posted:
10/2/2026
Location:
District Wide
Paraprofessional - Severe Needs
Job Title: Paraprofessional
Department: Special Programs
Reports to: Director of Special Programs/Principal
Classification: Non-Exempt
Summary
Paraprofessionals serve to enhance the self-contained instructional programs available in the schools.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Adapts equipment under the guidance of therapist and teachers for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increase independence for students with special needs
Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives and/or IEP goal.
Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. tube feeding, colostomy bags, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs and/or developing children's daily living activities and behavioral skills.
Assists with personal care assistance such as toileting, diapering, washing, lifting, teeth brushing, breakfast, lunch, etc.
Assesses students for the purpose of supporting IEP modifications and accommodations, district benchmarks and IEP goals
Attends diligently to the safety of children and surroundings for the purpose of maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.
Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
Builds rapport and trusting relationships with students for the purpose of promoting a safe and secure learning environment.
Collects and inputs data for case manager for the purpose of following established procedures.
Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel (e.g. teachers, counselors) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Completes required documentation in a timely manner for the purpose of completing daily log and student's hourly activities.
Follows and collects data on success plans and/or behavior intervention plans for the purpose of promoting appropriate school behaviors.
Models conversation, behaviors, cleanup activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (playground, classroom, field trips, assembly, cafeteria, loading/unloading of bus/car, etc.)
Prepares and organizes daily work materials and work spaces for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and providing written documentation.
Provides sensory interventions under the guidance of therapists and teachers for the purpose of keeping students calm and ready to learn.
Provides instruction to students under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purpose of implementing IEP goals, assisting in adapting mainstream classrooms, and ensuring student success.
Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
Supervisory Duties
None
Qualifications
Education/Experience
Associate Degree or 60 hours of higher education; or successful completion of Para Praxis Pro Exam
Skills and Abilities
Language
An individual who holds this position must have the ability to:
1. Read and comprehend simple written and oral instructions, short correspondence and memos.
2. Write short correspondence.
3. Communicate one on one and in small groups
Reasoning
An individual who holds this position must have the ability to:
1. Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
2. Occasionally solve problems involving concrete variables within standardized situations.
Technology
Basic computer skills, including word processing, data entry, email and TimeClock.
Additional Skills and Abilities
Skills are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.
Ability is required to gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with specific, job-related data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: working in a fast-paced environment; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with frequent interruptions; and being able to multitask.
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; there is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.
Physical Demands
An individual who holds this position:
1. Is frequently required to climb, balance, stand, stoop, bend crouch and kneel
2. May have to use therapeutic restraint
3. Will regularly lift, carry, push, and pull students
4. Administer therapeutic restraint
5. Must have both close and distance vision
Attendance
Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position
Conditions and Environment
The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation and supervising recess.
Worksite address
kearney, MO, 64060, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.