Paraeducator - Severe Needs [4 positions]

Holyoke Public Schools

  • Holyoke, MA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
Job Description: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.

Holyoke Public Schools