Special Education Paraprofessional (SUN Room) - Northside Elementary - ISD840

- Position Type:
Support Staff/Special Education Assistant - Date Posted:
10/8/2026 - Location:
Northside Elementary/Middle School - Closing Date:
Until Filled - Provide individualized instructional support aligned to each student's IEP.
- Assist students with communication, academics, daily living skills, social-emotional learning, and functional independence.
- Support implementation of specialized instructional strategies under the direction of licensed staff.
- Collect student progress data as requested.
- Implement individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Utilize district-approved de-escalation and positive behavior support strategies.
- Maintain a calm, safe, and structured learning environment.
- Document behavioral observations and interventions.
- Assist students with toileting and diapering.
- Assist students with hygiene and personal care routines.
- Assist students with feeding, including tube feeding as trained and authorized.
- Assist students requiring physical lifting, transfers, positioning, wheelchair mobility, or adaptive equipment.
- Support students during arrival, dismissal, transportation, and community-based instruction.
- Maintain student dignity, privacy, and safety during all personal care activities.
- Follow all district health procedures and universal precautions.
- Maintain required certifications and training.
- Recognize and report safety concerns immediately.
- Assist during emergency drills and emergency situations.
- Prepare instructional and adaptive materials.
- Assist with classroom organization and sensory supports.
- Supervise students during classroom, lunch, recess, community outings, and other assigned activities.
- Maintain accurate documentation as directed.
- Work closely with special education teachers, related service providers, school nurses, administrators, and families.
- Participate in IEP implementation and team meetings as requested.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding all student information.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Meet Minnesota paraprofessional qualifications or be eligible to obtain them.
- Complete all required Minnesota Department of Health Personal Care Assistant (PCA) training and other district-required training.
- Ability to safely implement physical assistance techniques.
- Ability to work with students exhibiting complex behavioral, medical, communication, and developmental needs.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.
- Ability to safely lift, transfer, position, or assist students.
- Ability to push wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.
- Ability to respond quickly to student behavioral or medical emergencies.
- Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
- Experience working with students receiving special education services.
- Experience supporting students with autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral needs, or medical needs.
- CPI or similar behavior intervention training (or willingness to obtain).
- CPR/First Aid certification.
| Special Education Paraprofessional (SUN Room) - Northside Elementary - ISD840 | JobID: 503 |
Special Education Paraprofessional - SUN Room - Northside Elementary School - St. James Public Schools - ISD840
Position Summary
The Students with Unique Needs (SUN) Room Paraprofessional provides specialized instructional, behavioral, functional, and personal care support to students with significant disabilities. This position works collaboratively with licensed special education staff to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and individualized health and personal care plans while maintaining a safe, structured, and caring learning environment.
This position is eligible for the District's Level 1 additional compensation when assigned students whose IEPs or Behavior Intervention Plans require intensive behavioral interventions, diapering, tube feeding, lifting due to wheelchair use, or other qualifying personal care responsibilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specialized Student Support
Behavioral Support
Personal Care Support
As assigned by student needs and IEPs:
Health and Safety
Classroom Support
Collaboration
Qualifications
Physical Requirements
This position requires significant physical activity, including:
Preferred Qualifications
The duties listed above 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 of the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
St. James Public Schools ISD #840 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.