Position Summary

Under the immediate supervision of an assigned school administrator or director, the Special Education Paraprofessional will implement lessons and curriculum of a classroom or program teacher under the certificated teacher’s direction as part of an education team. The Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional assistance to students individually and/or in groups according to state standards, classroom objectives and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).  This may include implementing health and/or behavioral plans and providing emergency health related assistance to students as needed. Other duties include direct supervision of students, implementing evidence-based teaching strategies, and creating and maintaining classroom environments/materials.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform any combination of these duties.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position works directly with students as part of the class or program education team to advance their academic and individualized goals.  The Special Education Paraprofessional provides direct and indirect instructional support to students within the classroom, home, or community environments under the direction of the assigned certificated teacher.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports directly to the assigned school administrator or director for the program to which they are assigned.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

• Provide students individual and specialized instruction daily, who may range from 0 to 22 years of age, depending on the school, classroom, or program.
• Assist individual students and small groups of students with skill development, recreation-oriented learning activities, and other related activities.
• Assist the instructor by directly implementing the certificated teacher’s lesson plans and educational interventions.
• Assist the assigned certificated teacher with maintaining program order by observing and monitoring the activities of students. These activities may be in or out of the classroom setting.
• Observe, monitor and provide proactive behavioral direction to students.
• Collect data on IEP/IFSP goals and other target areas, under the direction of the administrator, instructor, behavior specialist or school psychologist.
• Be responsive to the unique needs of each student.
• Implement behavior strategies and implement behavior plans under the direction of the administrator, instructor, behavior specialist or school psychologist.
• Assist in maintaining an orderly classroom including sanitizing and cleaning of materials within the instructional environment.
• Prepare and clean eating materials, cleaning supplies, eating and work surfaces, restrooms and other areas in a manner that satisfies sanitation and safety requirements.
• Assist in students’ physical development, independent access to communication, personal hygiene (e.g., feeding, grooming, toileting), academic learning, and vocational skill-building).
• Supervise students within the classroom, outdoors, in the community, at home, and during field trips.
• May operate or assist with mechanical equipment such as lifts, wheelchairs, modified bikes, standers and other accommodation support devices.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with diverse groups of students, families and colleagues.
• Willingly engage in learning new instructional techniques and participating in employer-led professional development.
• Reflect and collaborate with team members regarding lessons and engage in problem solving to enhance the impact of educational lessons and environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of age- and grade level-appropriate academic guidance applicable to an educational setting.
• Behavior-management strategies and techniques relating to pupils experiencing difficulties.
• Using personal computers, recording information, and sending communications.
• Data record-keeping systems.
• Wellness practices.
• Cultural differences.

Ability to:

• Work productively and cooperatively with teachers, students, and parents in both formal and informal settings, and to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students.
•  Monitor and observe students (visual acuity)
• Read and comprehend written materials in printed and digital form. Receive instruction and training in relevant areas.
• Be sensitive to cultural, social, economic and racial characteristics and diversity.
• Learn to provide instruction in special subject matter areas or to students who have special needs.
• Actively engage in activities with students including play, bend, kneel, lift and sit at a student’s level.
• Read and comprehend written materials in printed and digital form.
• Communicate in one-on-one conversations and to speak with small groups of students.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in person, by telephone, and/or email and other computer-based technologies in both formal and informal settings with students, parents/caregivers, staff members, and representatives of other agencies.
• Provide appropriate social, emotional, and behavioral supports to meet student needs.
• Regulate and manage emotions during challenging situations.
• Request assistance when needed.
• Learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to public education for students and related to the program to which assigned.
• Function independently with assigned tasks.
• Be able to work directly with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability, and socioeconomic groups, while maintaining a kind and professional demeanor free of discrimination.
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and schedules.
• Provide positive social, emotional and behavioral supports to meet the needs of all students.
• Collaborate and maintain a productive and safe learning environment.
• Organize and prioritize work & manage time effectively.
• Drive a vehicle and get to assigned station.
• Collect data under the guidance of the teacher or specialist.
• Prepare instructional materials, such as art and other activities.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience

Minimum required

• High School Diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• AA degree, 48 units of college semester units or passed County Paraprofessional exam
• Current CPR certification (or the ability to obtain certification within 3 month of hire)

Successful completion of CPI training within 6 months of hire

Preferred Experience

• 1 year of experience working with students who have significant physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral needs is highly desirable.
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Sign Language, Hmong is highly desirable).

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

This position will be assigned to an educational setting which may be in a classroom, community, or home, and/or outdoors, where multiple students, staff, and families/caregivers are present The employee will be expected to work closely with other County offices, District personnel, students, families/caregivers, medical professionals, outside agencies, and private partners. students Employees may be required to conduct work in educational environments where there may be loud and/or upset and/or dysregulated students, staff, and/or families/caregivers, varied temperatures, or public interactions, . Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids and interactions with students that may cause physical injury and/or mental and emotional distress during the completion of required tasks.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of the job, with or without accommodations, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and/or move about quickly (including running) for extended periods in varied settings (indoor or outdoor), stoop, kneel and crouch, walk, speak and hear. The employee will need to frequently perform repetitive hand/finger movements for activities such as, but not limited to, using a keyboard, administering medication (condition-specific training will be provided to do so), assisting with feeding, toileting, pointing out important words/figures, operating computers, and performing other related duties.  Special Education Paraprofessionals may be required to run to prevent students from harming themselves or others, or to escape harm.

The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, bend, reach with hands/arms, lift (sometimes up to 50 lbs and push/pull up to 100 pounds with team assistance or adaptive equipment as appropriate).

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.

May be occasionally asked to drive with or without students, which would require a California driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Classified Range 4
Revised 5/22/2026
Approved 7/9/26