Paraprofessional - Middle School Track & Field (1-on-1 support)

We are seeking a patient, energetic, and dedicated Paraprofessional to provide one-on-one support for a middle school student with autism during the Middle School Track & Field 2026 season. Your role is to bridge the gap between the student's unique needs and the athletic environment, ensuring they can participate safely, build confidence, and enjoy the team atmosphere.

Responsibilities Athletic Support Modify Instructions:

Translate the coach's group directions into clear, step-by-step visual or verbal cues tailored to the student's learning style if needed.

Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Sensory Management:

Monitor the student for signs of sensory overload (loud whistles, starter pistols, crowded bleachers etc.) and implement predetermined "cool-down" or sensory break strategies if needed.

Social Coaching:

Facilitate positive interactions with teammates and competitors.

Routine Consistency:

Help the student transition between different events and practices, maintaining a predictable schedule within the dynamic environment of a track meet and track and field practice.

Event Monitoring:

Be present during competition/participation in events to provide support as needed.

Safety & Inclusion Environmental Awareness:

Ensure the student remains in safe zones, particularly near active throwing sectors or high-traffic lane areas.

Advocacy:

Act as a liaison between the student, the coaching staff, and the parents to ensure the student's IEP goals are being supported in an extracurricular setting.

Qualifications Experience:

Previous experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum preferred.

Physical Stamina:

Ability to be active and ability to attend track and field meets in possible inclement weather.

Communication:

Strong ability to remain calm and ability to communicate clearly with the student athlete, coaches and parents.

Certification:

Register with the MSHSL and completion of required rules and training modules.

Teaming:

Ability to work with coaches in collaborative manner to provide support for student athlete.

Working Conditions Location:

School track facilities, gym and field house and various away-meet locations. Must be able to drive to meets using own vehicle.

Schedule:

After-school practices starting at 3:15 PM to approximately 4:30 pm and occasionally later. Track Meets•Ride to the meets with the team and attend the track and field meets in its entirety with usual starting time at 4:00 pm and ending between 7:00 and 8:00 pm. Leave times to meets vary depending on location of the meet.

Environment:

Ability to work outdoors; must be comfortable working in sun, possible inclement weather, and varying temperatures.

Approximate Hours per week:

Practices Monday through

Wednesday:

3:15•4:30 pm•Total approximate hours: 4 hours Track meets on

Thursdays:

Varying leave time, usually around 2:30 pm. Meets ending around 7:00 pm. Para would drive to the meet location using own car. Mileage can be tracked. Para would record the time he/she worked with the athlete. Season Hour Total•

Approximate:

Season starts April 6th, 2026. Last meet is May 14th. Total hours will depend on length of meet and time worked at the meet.

Application Deadline:

Friday, March 13, 2026•3:00 p.m.