27SY Elementary Paraprofessional Alternative Education

27SY Elementary Paraprofessional Alternative Education Mena School District Louise Durham Elementary - Mena, Arkansas This job is also posted in Arkansas Jobs In Ed, and Mena School District Job Details

Job ID:

5695703

Application Deadline:

Jun 05, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

To Be Determined Job Description

Position Title:

Elementary Paraprofessional - Alternative Learning Environment (K-5)

Reports To:

Supervising Teacher, Building Principal, and/or ALE Program Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Elementary Paraprofessional in an Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) supports K-5 students who require a highly structured, individualized, and therapeutic approach to learning. Under the direction of certified teachers and ALE staff, this role focuses on assisting with academic instruction, implementing behavior intervention strategies, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment tailored to students with significant behavioral, social-emotional, or academic needs. The paraprofessional plays a critical role in fostering student success through relationship-building, consistency, and trauma-informed support.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Support:

Assist teachers in delivering differentiated and individualized instruction aligned with ALE goals and student support plans. Work one-on-one or with small groups to support academic progress, skill development, and the completion of assignments. Reinforce targeted learning objectives and provide guided practice using appropriate strategies for students with diverse needs. Support implementation of IEP accommodations, interventions, and behavior plans in collaboration with certified staff.

Behavior Support & Classroom Management:

Implement classroom routines, behavior expectations, and safety protocols consistently and proactively. Support de-escalation using trauma-informed and relationship-based practices (e.g., calm voice, choice options, regulation strategies). Monitor student behavior and reinforce positive behavior through approved behavior intervention systems. Assist with crisis intervention procedures as trained and directed, ensuring student and staff safety at all times. Maintain documentation of student behaviors, interventions used, and progress toward goals as requested by teachers or administrators.

Student Assistance:

Build supportive, trusting relationships with students to promote engagement, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging. Escort or supervise students during transitions, breaks, meals, recess, and other unstructured times to ensure safety and support behavioral expectations. Provide support with self-regulation strategies, conflict resolution, social-emotional learning activities, and coping skills practice. Assist students with assignments, technology use, and hands-on activities as directed by certified staff.

Environment & Safety:

Help maintain a safe, structured, and predictable learning environment tailored to the needs of ALE students. Monitor and supervise students in various settings (classroom, playground, hallways, bus arrival/dismissal) to ensure safety and adherence to ALE procedures. Support the organization of materials, learning centers, and calming/regulation spaces within the ALE classroom.

Administrative & Program Support:

Assist with record-keeping such as attendance, data collection on behavior or interventions, and progress monitoring. Prepare instructional materials, behavior charts, visual supports, and other classroom resources as needed. Participate in team meetings, professional learning, crisis-management training, and ongoing ALE-specific training.

Collaboration:

Work closely with teachers, behavior specialists, counselors, administrators, and other paraprofessionals to support each student's academic and behavioral goals. Communicate effectively and professionally with staff and maintain confidentiality regarding student needs and records. Contribute to a positive, solution-focused team environment.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent; Paraprofessional Praxis or equivalent coursework required. Experience working with children in educational, behavioral, or therapeutic settings preferred. Ability to implement behavior support strategies and follow individualized plans. Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. Patience, resilience, flexibility, and a commitment to supporting students with significant social-emotional or behavioral needs. Ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging student behaviors or crisis situations. Willingness to participate in training related to trauma-informed practices, de-escalation, and behavior support.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, sit, bend, reach, and move frequently throughout the day. Capability to assist with crisis intervention strategies in accordance with district-approved training. Lift and carry instructional materials and equipment up to 25 pounds. Support students with physical or mobility-related tasks as needed.

Work Schedule:

Follows the district calendar and ALE program schedule. Typical daily schedule: 7:15-3:45, but may vary based on student or program needs.

Benefits:

Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience and qualifications. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training for behavior intervention and trauma-informed practices. Potential eligibility for health insurance, retirement plans, and additional district benefits based on employment status. Eligibility to participate in the REACH University Teaching Program.

Position Type:

Full-Time