Specialized Educational Assistant/Paraprofessional

Specialized Educational Assistant/Paraprofessional

READS Collaborative | Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

About READS Collaborative

The READS Collaborative Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program provides specialized educational services for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Position Summary

READS Collaborative is seeking a dedicated and flexible Specialized Educational Assistant/Paraprofessional to support students in achieving their academic, communication, and social-emotional goals.

Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the Specialized Educational Assistant/Paraprofessional provides direct academic support and individualized interventions in accordance with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including required accommodations and modifications. The successful candidate will help create a supportive learning environment where students can participate, grow, and succeed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

In collaboration with teachers, counselors, specialists, and program leaders, responsibilities include:

• Develop positive and supportive relationships with students.
• Foster a welcoming learning environment that encourages participation.
• Provide direct academic support and implement interventions consistent with students' IEPs, accommodations, and modifications.
• Collaborate with DHH staff to support students' communication, academic achievement, and social-emotional development.
• Participate in classroom meetings to review student progress and inform instructional interventions.
• Apply strategies and protocols learned through training and professional development.
• Support students as they transition between activities and locations throughout the school.
• Assist students in general education classrooms and coordinate additional support with the DHH classroom teacher as needed.
• Substitute for classroom teachers, as assigned, to maintain instruction and student support during teacher absences.
• Maintain a safe, organized classroom environment and care for school materials and supplies.
• Follow established emergency procedures in coordination with teachers and program leaders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing daily assignments and responsibilities.
• Commitment to positively impacting the lives of children and young adults.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Two years of public school or related work experience.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace applications.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Candidates must be able to communicate effectively with students, staff, families, and host school personnel. The position requires the ability to implement student interventions under the direction and coordination of classroom teachers, counselors, specialists, and program leaders. Travel to various locations may be required to fulfill job responsibilities.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range is $51,000–$67,000, based on experience and in accordance with the READS ESP Unit Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Bereavement leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Schedule

• Full-time position
• 183-day work year
• Monday through Friday
• Day shift
• No weekends

Join READS Collaborative and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.