The paraprofessional assists careers teachers in implementing career-oriented activities and providing emotional, social, and behavioral support to students with special needs. Responsibilities include supervising students during work experiences, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with classroom clerical duties.
Requirements summary
A high school diploma or GED is required, while an associate degree or 60 college credits are preferred. Candidates should be prepared to undergo training in crisis intervention and CPR/AED certification.
EducationThe general function of the department: To service children with special needs during the regular ten month school year, and during the extended school year in July & August.
The primary purpose of this position: The universal careers paraprofessional (job coach) is a non-certified staff member who does not hold the position of teacher, but assists the careers teacher(s) under the guidance of the SLE Supervisor and the building principals. Sometimes job coaches will assist with career-related clerical duties as needed or required. The universal careers paraprofessional provides appropriate and consistent service to students, helping to implement career oriented activities, as well as offering emotional, social, and behavioral development.
Specific duties and responsibilities: Able to assist in a variety of areas including sheltered workshop, production, on campus and off campus career exploration and any other areas as assigned by SLE Supervisor or building principal Report to and collaborates with the Careers teacher/SLE Supervisor Assist in verbal de-escalation efforts when students display challenging behaviors Assists careers teachers in monitoring of students job skills and behavioral performance Contributes input during career team meetings Performs careers classroom and career-related clerical duties/inventories as needed Maintains accurate records, assists with schedules and evaluations Cleans and decorates classroom; designs monthly bulletin boards Assists students during arrival and dismissal from school Assists with transporting students to and from work study programs Supervises students while moving throughout the building and during on and off campus work experiences Attends all staff meetings, in-services and orientations Attends annual Handle with Care and Crisis Prevention Institute trainings Participates in job coaching when needed. Arrives to work on time and adheres to the electronic sign in/payroll system and attendance policy. Represents the school appropriately and positively within the community Develops an annual Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) approved by the principal Earns annual certification in CPR/AED Responsible for all miscellaneous duties as assigned by the teachers or supervisor
QualificationsMinimum educational requirements: high school diploma or GED required associates degree
Preferred other 60 college credits -
Preferred
Minimum experience required: zero
Other knowledge, skills, and certifications required: Prior experience in a child-centered environment preferred
The number of employees supervised by this position:
None
The usual internal and external contacts: Internal - all Education Division staff, administrative staff, students External - parents, other human service agencies The time spent on physical demands, sensory efforts, and other skills while performing the job functions:
Key: C = Constant (76 -100%) F = Frequent (51-76%) O = Occasional (26-50%) S = Seldom (1-25%) N = Never (0%) E = Regardless of frequency, this activity is indispensable. M = This activity is useful and helpful but not absolutely essential
Physical
Demands:
C
F
O
S
N
E
M
Comments: Sitting X Standing X Bending X Walking X Kneeling X Pushing / Pulling X Reaching X Lifting or Carrying X 10 lbs or less X 11 to 25 lbs. X 26 to 50 lbs. X 51 to 75 lbs. X 76 to 100 lbs. X Over 100 lbs.
) other Augmentative Communication Devices The working conditions (heat, cold, dust, fumes, etc.) that apply to this position are: School Environment
Any safety conditions or hazards associated with this position: Risk of injury due to the possibility of behavioral outbursts from children.
Physical intervention of children may be necessary
Additional comments: All staff will be trained annually in Handle with Care Primary Restraint Technique (PRT), Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in New Jersey
Teaching assistant roles in New Jersey are often in steady demand in schools and early childhood settings, especially for candidates who can support classroom routines and child care needs. These positions can be competitive because employers look for empathy, reliability, and the ability to work independently, along with physical readiness to assist children safely. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save research time, and confirm you can meet the lifting requirement before applying.
