The paraprofessional assists certified teachers in delivering instructional and non-instructional activities for students with multiple or severe disabilities. Responsibilities include providing emotional support, collecting data, and assisting with daily living activities and physical repositioning.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma, though an associate degree is preferred. The role requires significant physical capability to lift students and manage body fluids while maintaining professional confidentiality.
high schoolassociate degreeTeamworkCommunicationAdaptabilityPatient CareData CollectionCrisis ManagementInstructional SupportBasic MathematicsBehavioral ManagementPhysical RestraintStudent AdvocacyReading and Writing
Job description
CAPS Collaborative is seeking dynamic and enthusiastic paraprofessionals to join our dedicated team of professionals. Student populations include students with multiple disabilities, medically fragile and/or students with moderate to severe disabilities including autism. Experiences working with these special education populations is preferred. ABA/behavioral background a plus.
About us
CAPS Collaborative will work in partnership with districts to provide programs and services of the highest quality. To provide these services, we adhere to the following values:
To commit every aspect of the organization to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students.
To demonstrate quality and responsiveness by becoming the first choice of districts for programs and services.
To be a customer-focused organization that constantly evaluates district needs.
To integrate quality, integrity, respect, and teamwork into every aspect of the organization.
To demonstrate accountability through constantly evaluating results and progress toward goals.
To implement programs and services in the most cost-effective manner and to exercise due diligence in financial decision making.
We will work in partnership with districts to ensure that students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home school district.
About the role
The paraprofessional will assist a certified teacher with providing specially designed instructional and non-instructional activities for students. This position requires the Paraprofessional to work in small groups and one-to-one with students on a regular basis in an effort to provide the student with the academics and emotional support they need to participate and learn.
Responsibilities
Carryout instructional programs to meet individual learning needs of students.
Implement and model intervention/instruction designed to best meet the needs of students with intensive special needs.
Carries out data collection per lead teacher instructions.
Advocate on behalf of students needs.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, and team members.
Walking and moving about the classroom and school environment to provide individual and small group instruction.
Capable of stooping/bending, squatting and kneeling for significant amounts of time to provide instruction to students in a variety of positioning equipment, placing students from standing to floor levels (Standers, bolsters, wedges, sidelyers, therapy balls, tumbleforms, etc.)
Change diapers & dress/re-dress students throughout the day
Take off/put on equipment (Body Jackets, AFOs, Swash Braces, splints, etc.)
Carry out therapy carryover skills with students
Assist students with self care needs
Must have the ability to exercise universal precautions and tolerate constant management of body fluids (urine, feces, drool, runny noses, sneezing and coughing by children unable to independently cover their mouth and/or nose, vomit, stoma & tracheae care).
Lift and carry objects and/or classroom equipment:
0-20 pounds, constantly
21-50 pounds, often
51-60 pounds, rarely
Lift and move students for repositioning several times a day:
20-50/60,1 person lift
51/61 & up, 2-4 person lift dependent on exact weight and students tone
Push and pull students in wheelchairs on flat surfaces and inclines:
20-200 pounds (1-2 person required dependent on exact weight and angle of incline)
May be required to physically handle students weighing 20-200 pounds, by one's self during an emergency situation.
Must be able to assist ambulatory students with visual impairments and/or unsteady (ataxic) movement.
Must assist students daily in all activities of daily living, as needed.
Must have the ability to reach grasp and handle objects using upper extremities.
Must possess excellent reading, writing and mathematical skills.
Must be capable of making sound judgments and decisions.
Must be able to deal with people in a variety of situations.
Candidate requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age
Respect and maintain student and family confidentiality
Cooperates successfully as a team member
Communicates effectively with other members of the team including giving and receiving feedback. This includes written and oral communication.
Maintain regular attendance.
Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills, to carry out assignments, put in essential time and effort.
Perform delegated duties with level of expertise and assume responsibility for own professional development.
High school diploma required; Associates degree or two years of college highly preferred.
Physical Requirements
Able to demonstrate physical control and restraint positions to be implemented when physical control is necessary as a last resort due to an individual's dangerous behavior.
Able to navigate all areas of the school quickly including indoor and outdoor areas.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in Massachusetts
Teaching assistant roles in Massachusetts are often tied to steady school and early childhood staffing needs, especially where programs need support with classroom routines and student supervision. These positions can be competitive because employers may look for a CDA, an associate degree, or 60 college credits, along with strong communication skills and the physical ability to stay active with children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm whether your credentials and lifting expectations match the posting before applying.
