University of Iowa·Iowa City, Iowa
The Para-educator will support students ages 5–17 in a therapeutic, trauma-informed classroom environment. They will collaborate with a team to deliver personalized instruction and foster positive coping skills for students.
Para-Educator | Acute Care, Behavioral Health | Circle School Make a lasting impact as a Para-educator! The Department of Rehabilitation Therapies at University of Iowa Health Care is looking to hire a Paraeducator. Support students ages 5–17 in a therapeutic, trauma-informed classroom as they navigate their journey to wellness. You will collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver personalized instruction, foster positive coping skills, and create a safe, upbeat learning environment. If you are patient, flexible, and enthusiastic about helping kids thrive during challenging times, join us in helping students stay on track for a bright future! This position is located on our Medical Center University Campus. About Iowa Health Care University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical system. Each day more than 20,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. UI Health Care’s University Medical Center has evolved from a modest 20-bed clinic founded in 1873 into Iowa’s only tertiary-level medical center. Our academic roots run deep, having established the first university-based teaching hospital west of the Mississippi in 1898. Throughout the 20th century, our institution pioneered numerous breakthroughs in medicine while expanding into a regional referral hub. Today, UI Health Care’s University Medical Center continues this legacy by leading our mission: “Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®” Knowledge, Skills & Abilities | Para-Educator
Knowledge of behavioral strategies, disabilities, principles of child development and abuse reporting mandates.
Ability to learn forms of communication appropriate for the population served such as Braille, sign language, and other adaptive forms of communication.
Ability to be a positive role model for students.
Ability to lift, transfer and position students as needed using safe and effective techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements | Para-Educator
State of Iowa Paraeducators certificate or 2 years equivalent post-secondary coursework in education, psychology, or related area of study is required. Additional Details Application Information: To be considered for an interview, applicants must upload both of the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
Resume
Cover Letter Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to five professional references will be requested at a later stage in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Matt Hackler, HR Generalist at mhackler@uiowa.edu. This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.
Classification Title: Para-educator
Appointment Type: MERIT
Classification Time: This position is a 100%25 line at 40 hours per week.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.
Location: On site, this position is performed fully on the campus of UI Health Care’s University Medical Center at 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City 52242.
Candidates must hold a State of Iowa Paraeducator certificate or possess two years of equivalent post-secondary coursework in education, psychology, or a related field. The role requires the ability to lift, transfer, and position students using safe techniques.
Market context
In Iowa, para-educator openings in acute care and behavioral health settings often reflect steady demand for classroom and student-support staff who can work closely with licensed teams. These roles are competitive because employers look for both the required Iowa paraeducator credential or equivalent coursework and the physical ability to lift, transfer, and position students safely. Before applying, confirm your certification or coursework matches the posting and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here, which condense the original job description to save research time.