Special Education Paraprofessional

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential. And it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Summary

Essential Functions

• Provide individual and small-group support to students under the direction of the Education Specialist or special education case manager.
• Support students with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, functional, and personal care needs throughout the school day.
• Assist students in accessing grade-level instruction through accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports as outlined in their IEPs.
• Support students in general education and special education settings, including classrooms, recess, lunch, transitions, and other school activities.
• Help students work toward academic and functional goals outlined in their IEPs.
• Implement instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications as directed by the Education Specialist, general education teacher, or IEP team.
• Record student data related to instructional programs, IEP goals, behavior plans, and student progress.
• Share student progress and observations with the Education Specialist, case manager, and appropriate school staff.
• Implement positive behavior support strategies to promote student engagement, safety, and success.
• Support student behavior in a way that helps maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Assist with the implementation of Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, as appropriate.
• Collect and share behavior-related data and observations to support the development or adjustment of student behavior plans.
• Use proactive strategies to anticipate and respond to student needs.
• Provide support during behavioral escalation using approved school procedures, training, and the least restrictive approach possible.
• Support students with life skills and daily living needs, which may include toileting, diapering, hygiene, feeding, mobility, transitions, and other personal care needs.
• Assist students with adaptive and functional skills in a respectful, safe, and dignified manner.
• Follow student-specific plans, school procedures, and staff guidance when providing personal care or functional support.
• Maintain student confidentiality and professionalism when supporting personal or sensitive student needs.
• Collaborate with Education Specialists, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, school leaders, related service providers, and other staff members to ensure students receive consistent support.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues regarding student needs, progress, concerns, and supports.
• Partner with families, under the guidance of the Education Specialist or school team, to support student academic, behavioral, and social growth.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and student-centered staff culture.
• Participate in training, coaching, feedback, and professional development as assigned.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Student-centered, with a strong belief that all students can learn, grow, and succeed.
• Patient and compassionate, especially when supporting students with significant academic, behavioral, functional, or personal care needs.
• Reliable and professional, with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Collaborative, with the ability to work closely with teachers, Education Specialists, paraprofessionals, school leaders, families, and related service providers.
• Flexible and adaptable, with comfort working in a fast-paced school environment.
• Calm under pressure, with the ability to support students during challenging moments.
• Respectful and discreet, especially when supporting personal care needs and confidential student information.
• Passionate about working with children and committed to Rocketship’s mission.

Salary

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of college coursework, associate degree, or passing score on Rocketship’s Paraprofessional Assessment.
• Ability to work under the direction of a certificated Education Specialist, teacher, or school leader.
• Ability to support students with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, functional, and personal care needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, patience, professionalism, and courtesy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when working with students and families.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and school staff.
• Commitment to Rocketship Public Schools’ mission, vision, and goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a school, childcare, youth development, special education, behavioral support, or related setting.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities.
• Experience implementing accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, or individualized student plans.
• Experience collecting student data or supporting progress monitoring.
• Experience supporting students with personal care, functional skills, or adaptive needs.
• Bilingual skills preferred, based on school community needs.

Physical Demands