Job Description and Essential Functions
Special Education Paraprofessional
Job Type: Full-Time (180 days per school year)
Salary: $22-$24, DOE/DOQ
Compensation Includes: PTO package (including paid holidays), medical/dental coverage, life/short/long-term disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan
Oshki Ogimaag is committed to supporting new team members settling into our beautiful North Shore Community and ensuring equitable access to employment. Transition support including assistance with locating local housing options and reimbursement opportunities for commuting via Arrowhead transit are available .
To apply please send your cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation to: naagaaniid@oshkiogimaag.org<mailto:naagaaniid@oshkiogimaag.org>
OVERVIEW
Oshki Ogimaag Community School is seeking a passionate, dependable, and student-centered individual to serve as a Special Education Paraprofessional. In this role, you will support students with disabilities through academic learning, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and restorative practices in a culturally grounded, small-school setting.
You will work closely with the Special Education Coordinator to implement individualized plans and help create a supportive, inclusive learning environment that honors the whole child. Candidates with knowledge of Ojibwe language, traditions, and seasonal lifeways are strongly encouraged to apply. However, this is not a requirement, training and cultural support will be provided.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Academic and Behavioral Support
1. Support students during academic lessons, activities, and technology tasks under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator.
2. Assist students in problem-solving and emotional regulation throughout the school day following students’ individualized plans, under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator.
3. Reinforce concepts across settings that were taught in specialized instruction.
4. Participate in team meetings to support consistent communication and implementation of student strategies.
5. Monitor and document student behavior daily, follow plans according to IEP or other individualized support plans (breaks, incentive systems, self-regulation tools, etc.), and provide feedback that supports growth.
6. Help maintain the resource/sensory room as a space for academic, social, and emotional skill-building (i.e. ensuring room is clean after use, equipment is put away and cared for, etc.).
7. Adapt and modify coursework as directed by the Special Education Coordinator and General Education Teachers.
8. Support behavior intervention plans and restorative practices, as directed by the Special Education Coordinator.
9. Assist and support the use of visuals and communication strategies, emotional regulation supports, and devices (i.e. visual schedules, checklists, visual sequencing tools, 5-point scale, etc.) as directed by the Special Education Coordinator and/or Speech/Language Pathologist, and/or Occupational Therapist.
10. Assist students during Occupational Therapy , Speech Therapy , and/or Physical Therapy (including via teletherapy).
11. Complete basic clerical duties related to documentation and specialized programming.
12. Provide sensory breaks and independent work time to students, as scheduled or directed by the Special Education Coordinator.
13. Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and adherence to assigned schedules, as this reliability is critical for student success.
14. Interact with students using Responsive Classroom language and approaches, in alignment with OOCS policies and individualized student plans.
15. Adapt to changes in assignment or routine based on evolving student needs; maintain a flexible and student-centered mindset.
16. Uphold confidentiality of all student information in compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and school policies.
17. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an openness to learning and engaging with Indigenous perspectives and practices.
18. Support the physical, social, and emotional safety of all students by being present, observant, and proactive.
19. Foster a positive, inclusive school culture through patience, encouragement, and modeling respectful behavior.
20. Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Coordinator and/or school Administration.
Personal Care Assistance (when required as per a student’s individualized plan)
1. Assist student with dressing; physical management of students; personal hygiene of students
2. Administer medication and medical needs under direction of school nurse
3. Perform student transfer/mobility and mobility assistance
4. Provide bathroom assistance and toileting of students.
Qualifications
1. Meet or be able to meet the “High Qualified” paraprofessional designation as outlined by the state of MN. An Associate’s Degree (60 semester credits) or higher, with a 2.0 or higher overall grade point average (must provide official college transcripts) OR Obtain a passing score on the Paraeducator Test, demonstrating knowledge and ability with instruction in reading/language arts, writing, mathematics, or readiness for each.
2. Proficient in reading, writing, and basic math skills (including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and graph interpretation)
3. Intermediate computer and keyboarding skills
4. Basic knowledge of instructional and assistive technology.
5. Effective verbal and written communication skills
6. Ability to follow both written and verbal directions accurately.
7. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
8. Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively in a team environment.
9. Ability to build rapport with students, including those with disabilities or behavioral challenges
10. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
11. Physically able to meet the demands of the job, including student mobility support
12. Demonstrates emotional regulation, patience, and a reflective mindset when supporting student learning and behavior.
The duties of this position may change from time to time. OOCS reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of OOCS and its Directors. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.
WORK CONDITIONS
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 essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employed is regularly required to talk, hear, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, reach for objects, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, and use hands to grasp and feel.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally may have to lift a student who could weigh over 100 pounds. The employee must be willing to be trained in and use de-escalation/restraint techniques for managing crisis situations. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Oshki Ogimaag Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Oshki Ogimaag Community School will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment due to race, color, creed, religion, national origin gender, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family leave care act status, or veteran status.
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Oshki Ogimaag Community School
73 Upper Road
P.O. Box 320
Grand Portage, MN 55605
E: tgatzke@oshkiogimaag.org<mailto:tgatzke@oshkiogimaag.org>
Ph: 218-475-2112 Ext 2012
Fax: 218-475-2119
Web: https://oshkiogimaag.org/<https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foshkiogimaag.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cscsu-edpost%40stcloudstate.edu%7C8cec44be22344ca20cab08ddbe59f246%7C5011c7c60ab446ab9ef4fae74a921a7f%7C0%7C0%7C638876016048740139%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AXrO8xQsF74x5IzQ0ccnFVakdohRaeOl6Ndz9hZX8LU%3D&reserved=0>
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Job Description and Essential Functions
Special Education Paraprofessional
Job Type: Full-Time (180 days per school year)
Salary: $22-$24, DOE/DOQ
Compensation Includes: PTO package (including paid holidays), medical/dental coverage, life/short/long-term disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan
Oshki Ogimaag is committed to supporting new team members settling into our beautiful North Shore Community and ensuring equitable access to employment. Transition support including assistance with locating local housing options and reimbursement opportunities for commuting via Arrowhead transit are available .
To apply please send your cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation to: naagaaniid@oshkiogimaag.org
OVERVIEW
Oshki Ogimaag Community School is seeking a passionate, dependable, and student-centered individual to serve as a Special Education Paraprofessional. In this role, you will support students with disabilities through academic learning, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and restorative practices in a culturally grounded, small-school setting.
You will work closely with the Special Education Coordinator to implement individualized plans and help create a supportive, inclusive learning environment that honors the whole child. Candidates with knowledge of Ojibwe language, traditions, and seasonal lifeways are strongly encouraged to apply. However, this is not a requirement, training and cultural support will be provided.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Academic and Behavioral Support
- Support students during academic lessons, activities, and technology tasks under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator.
- Assist students in problem-solving and emotional regulation throughout the school day following students’ individualized plans, under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator.
- Reinforce concepts across settings that were taught in specialized instruction.
- Participate in team meetings to support consistent communication and implementation of student strategies.
- Monitor and document student behavior daily, follow plans according to IEP or other individualized support plans (breaks, incentive systems, self-regulation tools, etc.), and provide feedback that supports growth.
- Help maintain the resource/sensory room as a space for academic, social, and emotional skill-building (i.e. ensuring room is clean after use, equipment is put away and cared for, etc.).
- Adapt and modify coursework as directed by the Special Education Coordinator and General Education Teachers.
- Support behavior intervention plans and restorative practices, as directed by the Special Education Coordinator.
- Assist and support the use of visuals and communication strategies, emotional regulation supports, and devices (i.e. visual schedules, checklists, visual sequencing tools, 5-point scale, etc.) as directed by the Special Education Coordinator and/or Speech/Language Pathologist, and/or Occupational Therapist.
- Assist students during Occupational Therapy , Speech Therapy , and/or Physical Therapy (including via teletherapy).
- Complete basic clerical duties related to documentation and specialized programming.
- Provide sensory breaks and independent work time to students, as scheduled or directed by the Special Education Coordinator.
- Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and adherence to assigned schedules, as this reliability is critical for student success.
- Interact with students using Responsive Classroom language and approaches, in alignment with OOCS policies and individualized student plans.
- Adapt to changes in assignment or routine based on evolving student needs; maintain a flexible and student-centered mindset.
- Uphold confidentiality of all student information in compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and school policies.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an openness to learning and engaging with Indigenous perspectives and practices.
- Support the physical, social, and emotional safety of all students by being present, observant, and proactive.
- Foster a positive, inclusive school culture through patience, encouragement, and modeling respectful behavior.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Coordinator and/or school Administration.
Personal Care Assistance (when required as per a student’s individualized plan)
- Assist student with dressing; physical management of students; personal hygiene of students
- Administer medication and medical needs under direction of school nurse
- Perform student transfer/mobility and mobility assistance
- Provide bathroom assistance and toileting of students.
Qualifications
- Meet or be able to meet the “High Qualified” paraprofessional designation as outlined by the state of MN. An Associate’s Degree (60 semester credits) or higher, with a 2.0 or higher overall grade point average (must provide official college transcripts) OR Obtain a passing score on the Paraeducator Test, demonstrating knowledge and ability with instruction in reading/language arts, writing, mathematics, or readiness for each.
- Proficient in reading, writing, and basic math skills (including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and graph interpretation)
- Intermediate computer and keyboarding skills
- Basic knowledge of instructional and assistive technology.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to follow both written and verbal directions accurately.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively in a team environment.
- Ability to build rapport with students, including those with disabilities or behavioral challenges
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Physically able to meet the demands of the job, including student mobility support
- Demonstrates emotional regulation, patience, and a reflective mindset when supporting student learning and behavior.
The duties of this position may change from time to time. OOCS reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of OOCS and its Directors. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.
WORK CONDITIONS
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 essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employed is regularly required to talk, hear, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, reach for objects, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, and use hands to grasp and feel.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally may have to lift a student who could weigh over 100 pounds. The employee must be willing to be trained in and use de-escalation/restraint techniques for managing crisis situations. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Oshki Ogimaag Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Oshki Ogimaag Community School will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment due to race, color, creed, religion, national origin gender, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family leave care act status, or veteran status.
