Special Education Paraprofessional - 2026-27 School Year at West Fargo Public Schools in West Fargo, ND

Job description

Job Description Position Title : Special Education Paraprofessional Location: District-wide openings Department : Special Education Reports To : Director of Special Education and Building-level Principals Term: Ongoing 182-day position beginning with the 2026-27 school year Schedule: Mon-Fri Full-time. Roughly 6.5 hours/day. Salary: Position follows the Classified Salary Schedule 2026-2027 at A134. Starting salary begins at $18.75-$21.50/hour, based on experience. Date of last review : June 2026 SUMMARY : The Special Education Paraprofessional assists educators at the early childhood, elementary, middle or high school level to support the district's special education learners in either the general education classroom or special education classroom settings. The Special Education Paraprofessional assists learners with disabilities in their daily instructional and non-instructional activities under the supervision of the classroom and special education educators. To Apply: Please complete the application and include your resume and three professional references. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned) Collaboration: Develops positive, effective working relationships with learners and staff. Assists educators in routine classroom operation, daily activities and assignments. Maintains classroom by assisting educator with daily organization. Acts as a liaison between special education classroom and general education classroom. Proactively utilizes flexibility in assisting other programs or other learners to address changes and challenges based on learner, building, or district needs. Communication: Prompts safe and socially acceptable replacement behaviors in order to build a repertoire of communication, social interaction, and problem-solving skills. Establishes & maintains relationship with all learners by pairing self as a reinforcer. Connects and shares ideas through appropriate/applicable formats to express thoughts and ideas with integrity. Maintains learner dignity and confidentiality in communication and interactions. May assist learners with alternative modes of communication. Assists educators with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in learner education. May assist learners with personal cares including, but not limited to feeding, toileting assistance, general hygiene practices, dressing needs as outlined in care plans or learner IEPs. Compassion: Fosters learner independence and works toward reducing and/or eliminating reliance on paraprofessional support. Demonstrates understanding of learner's disability, is courteous, respectful, and fair. Acts as a communication liaison between learners and educators. Understands the complexities of cultural and global issues and how they relate to employee and learners' experiences. Partners with others to resolve potential controversy and conflict through respectful discussion. Proactively seeks to understand the ideas, opinions, and skills of others. Creativity: Connects with team members and shares ideas in an effort to improve the overall learner and employee experience. Critical Thinking: Demonstrates initiative and creativity with learners and their program(s). Connects with team members and shares ideas in an effort to improve the overall learner and employee experience. Demonstrates ability to problem solve in the moment situations for academic, behavioral, or learner health and safety needs. Reflection: Maintains communication with supervisor and director regarding general feedback, career advancement opportunities, and