Special Education Paraprofessional (1.0 FTE)

Augsburg Fairview Academy seeks to hire a Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2023-2024 school year.

Reports to: Executive Team, SPED Director
AFA seeks a passionate, goal-oriented, and equity-driven leader to join our team as the full-time Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2023-2024 school year.
As a Teacher-Powered School, Augsburg Fairview Academy offers a familial work environment where all staff members have the power and creative freedom to innovate.Mission:  We are a passionate learning community dedicated to serving the academic, social, and emotional needs of high school students in a safe and welcoming environment.  We provide individualized options to help students successfully graduate and set clear expectations for them to explore and pursue their dreams.

Vision:  AFA is committed to serving and participating in our local community, working compassionately to promote social justice and equity through education, and contributing to our intercultural family.

Essential Job Functions:
The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:

  • Cultivates strong, positive relationships with students
  • Works in a classroom setting to observe challenging or disruptive behaviors, and use data to develop positive behavior interventions
  • Works in a classroom setting to provide supplemental instructional services in reading and math to identified students as requested by the classroom teacher
  • Provides behavioral or academic support for students as directed by the teacher/case manager related to IEP goals, objectives, and behavioral plans.
  • Assists students in a classroom or small group setting
  • Adapts instructional materials, equipment, or strategies, as directed by the teacher or case manager to accomplish instructional objectives and student needs.
  • Reinforces instructional material presented by the teacher with students individually or in small groups. Works through assignments as prescribed. 
  • Provides supplemental tutoring, job skills, guided practice, and other relevant activities to students as directed by the supervising teacher(s).
  • Collaborates and communicates with the case manager and other staff regarding student observations, needs, issues, progress, behaviors, etc.
  • Works cooperatively, harmoniously, and productively with administrative staff, students, parents, guardians, and the public
  • Present a positive image as a representative of the school district
  • Observe all Board of Education policies and regulations and comply with all School District Work rules
  • Regular, predictable attendance and follows routine security procedures
  • Attends job related and/or mandatory workshops and training programs
  • Working knowledge in the use of computers and technology
  • Keeps records as required and as assigned
  • Contributing to school-wide decisions as a member of the Augsburg Fairview Academy professional partnership
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Special Education Director
Desired Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent and must be eligible to work in the United States
  • Ability and willingness to communicate with teachers, other colleagues, students, families, and diverse communities
  • Written and oral communication skills in Spanish or Somali
  • Track record of success serving youth with significant developmental risk factors
  • Willingness to work with the Circle of Courage, including RAP and LSCI
  • Work experience in an urban, charter high school
  • Experience implementing student academic and behavior interventions
  • Knowledge of student behaviors and management skills relating to individual and small groups of students
  • Ability and willingness to perform all performance responsibilities assigned
  • Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the supervisor may find appropriate and acceptable.
  • Ability and willingness to provide a team-centered, collaborative, professional atmosphere
  • Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and collaborative skills with adults, students, and families
  • Demonstrated creativity, flexibility, and extreme patience
  • Personal and professional alignment with Augsburg Fairview Academy’s unique mission and vision
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to work additional hours occasionally
  • Ability to accurately log time worked, including PTO
  • Ability to communicate adequately verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, community, and other colleagues.
  • Ability to contribute to and be part of a team-centered, professional atmosphere that supports the mission and vision of the District.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
  • Required to talk, hear, walk, climb, crouch, crawl, balance, stoop, kneel, reach for objects, use repetitive motion, stand, push, pull, lift, and use hands to grasp and feel
  • Continually required to communicate effectively with teachers, administrators, support staff, students, parents, guardians, and the community
  • Continually required to operate a walkie-talkie, computer, and software/applications such as Google Drive, MS Office Products
  • Requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force
  • Work has standard vision requirements; 
  • Work requires operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities;
  • Work regularly requires exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment work frequently requires exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to vibration and occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to the risk of electrical shock; 
  • Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
Position Logistics:
  • 40 hours per week minimum 
  • 5 days per week, Monday – Friday
  • Compensation based on the Augsburg Fairview Academy FY24 salary schedule
Application Process
  • Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
  • ONLY electronic applications will be considered. Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three references to:  heidi.anderson@afa.tc

It is the policy of Augsburg Fairview Academy to provide equal employment opportunities.  AFA welcomes and respects employees of all ages, races, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, political or religious beliefs, family, social or cultural background, gender, gender identity, genetic information, mental health status or ability, physical ability, special education status, housing status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, family situation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law and will not unfairly exclude any employee from participating in any program, deny benefits to any employee, or grant any advantage to an employee.  In addition, AFA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.