Special Education Paraprofessional

Join Fort Smith Public Schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional and support students in reaching their full potential. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, eligible paraprofessionals may earn $3,000 in annual incentives for self-contained, 1:1, personal care, or ALE roles, recognizing the vital support they provide to students and teachers.

POSITION TITLE

Special Education Paraprofessional FLSA:

Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO

Principal and Classroom Teacher

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

A full contract for this position is 190 days, with benefits as specified in employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on actual start date.

LOCATION

Multiple locations; district wide.

BEGINNING

08/03/2026 QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma or equivalent 60 college hours or has passed the Paraprofessional Praxis Exam Experience working with students in an educational setting is preferred. Knowledge of instructional methods and strategies, especially for students with special needs. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Patience, flexibility, and a passion for working with children.

DISTRICT VALUES

We will always put student needs first. We believe relationships matter. We expect accountability. We operate with transparency. We prioritize student and staff safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement instructional activities and support lesson plans. Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning concepts. Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials. Provide one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring their participation in classroom activities. Assist students with tasks such as classroom assignments, tests, and projects. Foster a positive and inclusive environment for all students. Support positive behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher or special education team, if requested. Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or behavior plans for students with special needs, if requested. Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, and mobility, as needed. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as nurses or occupational therapists, to implement specific care plans. Maintain open and effective communication with teachers, parents, and other school staff regarding student progress and needs. Attend meetings and training sessions, including special ed specific training, as required. Monitor students during various activities, including in the classroom, gym, on the playground, lunch, and during transitions. Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times. Implement accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs, in collaboration with the teacher and special education team, if needed. Work additional hours as directed. Maintains prompt and regular attendance Maintain emotional control under stress. Maintain confidentiality. Present and communicate in a professional manner. Demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others. Supervises students on recess, bus, during before and after school duty, on field trips, extracurricular events, and in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day. Attend trainings as required. Other duties as assigned by administration. These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally. Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, squatting. Check out our interview process here. Explore the Fort Smith Public Schools website to learn how our district is right for you! If seeing this posting on a job site, please apply here https://fortsmithschools.schoolspring.com/ if interested.