Elementary Life Skills Paraprofessional - 26/27 School Year in South Bend, Indiana at Career Academy of South Bend, Inc.

Job Title: Special Education Life Skills Paraprofessional

Job Classification: Classified

Reports to: Director of Student Services/Building Administrator

Work Schedule: Academic Year Part-Time (no more than 30 hours per week)

General Description:

The Life Skills Paraprofessional provides instructional and behavioral support to students with moderate to severe disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher in a self-contained classroom. This role assists students in developing functional academic skills, daily living skills, social/emotional growth, and independence. The paraprofessional supports student participation in school and community settings, ensuring their physical, emotional, and social well-being while promoting dignity and respect in all relationships.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow directions and adapt to various instructional strategies
• Must pass a background check and meet all school district compliance requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide instructional support to students in academic, social, and functional skill development under teacher supervision.
• Assist students with activities of daily living (e.g., feeding, toileting, hygiene, mobility, communication devices).
• Support students in the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and reinforcement plans as directed by the IEP team.
• Monitor students throughout the school day to promote safety, engagement, and inclusion.
• Foster independence and self-advocacy by encouraging students to participate in classroom, school, and community activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services

School Activities:

• Life Skills Paraprofessionals are expected to attend and/or participate in school-related activities as directed by administration, which may include:
• Faculty or staff meetings (before or after school hours)
• Open houses and commencement exercises
• Chaperoning student activities
• Providing student guidance
• Participating on faculty committees
• Assisting in problem-solving and school improvement efforts

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Experience or willingness to learn strategies for supporting students with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities.
• Ability to assist with personal care needs respectfully and professionally.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with teachers, therapists, and families.
• Proficiency in technology for documentation, communication, and student support.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changes, and remain flexible to meet student needs.
• Consistent demonstration of professionalism, including reliable attendance, punctuality, and adherence to school policies.
• Must demonstrate foundational professionalism, including consistent attendance, punctuality, adherence to school policies and procedures, and strong employability skills. These are considered essential, non-negotiable expectations of the role.

Must have one of the following to be an HQ Paraprofessional as required by the IDOE

• Two Years of college experience
• A two-year college degree
• Passed the Para-Pro Assessment (within the first year of Employment)
• One year or 1,000 hours of previous employment experience in a school- level evaluations
• Completed 48 credit hours of college-level classes