SPED Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional (SPED Para)

Salary: $25.00/hr
Start Date: August 1, 2026
Reports To: Special Education Teacher / Director of Special Education / Principal (as assigned)

About Hope Leadership Academy

Hope Leadership Academy (HLA) is committed to creating a safe, structured, and academically excellent environment where every scholar thrives. We believe all students can succeed when provided strong instruction, consistent supports, and caring adults who help remove barriers to learning.

Position Summary

The Special Education Paraprofessional supports students with disabilities by providing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional assistance under the direction of a certified teacher and/or related service provider. The SPED Para helps implement IEP accommodations, supports classroom routines, and assists with small-group and individualized instruction to ensure students can access learning and thrive.

The ideal candidate is dependable, patient, coachable, and committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support

• Provide instructional support to individual students and small groups under teacher direction


• Support students in accessing instruction through accommodations and modifications outlined in IEPs


• Reinforce skills and learning goals through guided practice, prompting, and reteaching


• Assist students with organization, task completion, and learning routines

Behavior & SEL Support

• Support positive behavior systems and consistent classroom expectations


• Help students develop self-regulation, coping skills, and social skills


• Assist with behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and data collection as assigned


• Support de-escalation strategies and ensure student safety in alignment with school protocols

Classroom & Service Support

• Assist with preparing materials, organizing learning spaces, and supporting transitions


• Support inclusion in general education settings as assigned (push-in support)


• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development as required


• Communicate student progress and concerns to the teacher promptly and professionally

Documentation & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information


• Collect data on student performance or behavior when assigned


• Provide support with arrival/dismissal, lunch, recess, and other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required


• Experience working with children (school, childcare, youth programs, etc.)


• Ability to follow directions, implement support plans, and work collaboratively with a team


• Strong communication skills and a positive, professional presence


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold student dignity

Preferred Qualifications

• Paraprofessional certification or meeting state “highly qualified” requirements (if applicable)


• Prior experience supporting students with disabilities (IEPs, autism, ADHD, learning needs, behavior supports)


• CPI/TCI or other de-escalation training (or willingness to obtain)


• Experience with data collection for academic/behavior goals


• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus (if relevant)

Physical Requirements (as applicable)

• Ability to stand, walk, and support active supervision throughout the day


• Ability to assist with student mobility and daily needs as required by assignment


• Ability to lift up to [insert if needed] pounds (based on student support needs)