Job Description
26-27 Special Education SHIP Paraprofessional
Somerville Public Schools
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
- Somerville, Massachusetts This job is also posted in Somerville Public Schools
Job Details
Job ID:
5720785
Application Deadline:
Posted until filled
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Aug 27, 2026
Job Description
Position Summary
This SHIP program is a vital special education program supporting students in grades 9-12 with complicated or significant learning differences and/or complex medical and health needs, that prevent them from following the standard high school curriculum and require tailored and intensive instruction in daily living, communication, and social skills. The students may have a variety of disabilities, including but not limited to, complex medical care needs, severe developmental delays, severe cognitive impairments, and multiple disabilities.
The program focuses on essential life skills, including communication, mobility, and independent daily living. Teachers use entry points designed by the state to deliver standards-based learning tailored to individual student needs. Students have access to related services in accordance with their IEPs. The program utilizes a total communication approach with a strong emphasis on the use of communication aids to enhance language acquisition, e.g., AAC, communication boards, and visual schedules. Inclusion opportunities are available during specialist classes. Because participating students may have complex medical needs, the program has dedicated nursing services available (e.g., SHIP Program Nurse) to handle both simple and complex healthcare requirements during the school day. Students in these programs at SHS can stay until they are 22 years old, as their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) require extended services.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Assist with instruction as directed by the teacher
Develop an understanding of the curriculum
Support the overall management of the classroom and student behavior
Provide small group and/or individual instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher
Provide assistance and supervision of students during cafeteria time, recess and if needed, toileting
Assist the classroom teacher with the development of curriculum materials
Help to create and maintain a safe learning environment
Support students' emotional regulation
Collect academic and/or behavioral data as directed
Develop and maintain positive, respectful, and appropriate relationships with students
Engage positively, respectfully, and professionally with colleagues
Collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and success
Positively contribute to a classroom and school community that affirms the identities of all students and staff
Use practices and approaches that value student diversity Protect student confidentiality Engage in meaningful professional development opportunities and apply the learning from those experiences
Understand and utilize appropriate technology
Complete required paperwork and duties as assigned
Additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.
Standing and walking for prolonged periods; frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, which may include sitting on the floor to effectively engage with students;
The use of hands and fingers to operate computers, instructional technology, and classroom materials.
Sufficient visual, auditory, and verbal ability to supervise students, deliver instruction, and evaluate student performance. Ability to lift, carry, and move instructional materials and supplies, weighing up to 15 pounds. The position further requires the ability to respond appropriately and promptly to emergency situations to ensure the health and safety of students.
Reporting Relationships
School Building Principal and Director of Special Education
Terms of Employment
Position Type:
Employment Status:
Full Time
Schedule:
208 days - Scheduled School Year
FLSA Classification:
Non Exempt
Salary shall be commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with the Somerville Educator's Union collective bargaining agreement.
209-day work year
Scheduled School Year:
184 days
Additional work days: 25 days outside of the regular school year which would include SPED Summer School Programs.
Pre-Employment Requirements
MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
Fingerprints
The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work
Position Type:
Full-Time
Salary:
$54,124 to $70,362 Salary per CBA salary schedule