FirstLine Schools·New Orleans, Louisiana
1 or classroom support for students with cognitive impairments within the Discovery Plus Program. Assist in delivering special education services, implementing IEP goals, and providing behavioral and medical care.
FirstLine Schools is seeking talented, passionate individuals to serve in a self-contained specialized program for students with cognitive impairments. These paraprofessionals will act as 1:1, 2:1, or classroom paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program.Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program are motivated individuals dedicated to providing an excellent education for all youth, particularly those with cognitive needs. Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program will receive coaching from the Classroom Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Specialized Program Manager, as well as collaborate closely with Related Service Providers to implement supports, devices, and interventions throughout the school day. Position Responsibilities: Special Education: Assists in the delivery of special education services under the supervision of the Special Education teacher Supports the instruction in the classroom for the assigned student(s) Assists assigned student(s) with classroom assignments Supports instructional aspects of student(s) IEP(s) Works to keep student(s) on task during classroom instruction Provides behavioral support throughout the school day Supports student(s) IEP goals in areas of academics, social emotional and related service areas Supports student(s) with specific assistive technology devices student(s) may require throughout the day Medical and life skills care and assistance for students may be required as part of a student’s health plan or IEP. This may include: feeding, toileting, medication management, medical device adjustments and management, crisis prevention intervention, etc. Must be willing to be trained. Instructional Duties: Supports lessons that lead to mastery of IEP goals and success in the Discovery Plus Program Supports teachers in using push-in/pull-out class time effectively to ensure lesson cycle is effectively accomplished Provides individual students with one-on-one assistance and tutoring as needed Collaborates with related service providers to learn how to implement interventions/strategies/devices throughout the day Goals and Behavior Management: Invests student(s) in achieving their goals Helps students connect their behavior to achieving goals and school values Builds independence and stamina in students Supports the use of an organized system to use assessment data to monitor the progress of assigned student School-Wide Duties: Participates in school-wide duty rotations, meetings, and events Other Duties As Assigned Education & Experience: Previous experience working with students with health plans and cognitive needs is preferred Experience in an urban, open admissions school Experience working with and a deep commitment to at-risk students and families Demonstrated record of setting high expectations for students with special needs Great communication and collaboration abilities Desired Qualities & Characteristics: Believe in every student’s ability to achieve in a rigorous college or career prep curriculum Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations Take personal responsibility Highly detail-oriented Open to learning and evolving with AI as a tool at work Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to embed and model the FirstLine Commitments: We Keep Learning, We Work Together, We Are Helpful, We Are the Safekeepers of our Community, We Share Joy, We Show Results! Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here represent 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 essential functions. Occasional physical exertion is required, including exerting up to 20 pounds of force as needed to move objects.
Previous experience working with students with cognitive needs and health plans is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to at-risk students and possess strong collaboration and communication skills.
Market context
In Louisiana, special education paraprofessionals are often needed in urban schools serving students with cognitive needs and health plans, especially where teams support at-risk learners. This role is competitive because schools value candidates who can collaborate closely with related service providers and stay consistent with student support plans. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then prepare one example of how you’ve supported a student plan or worked with a multidisciplinary team.
