ASPIRE Transition Program Paraprofessional
Mukwonago High School is seeking a dependable, patient, and student-centered paraprofessional to support young adults ages 18-21 in the ASPIRE Transition Program. ASPIRE helps young adults with disabilities build the skills needed for greater independence in employment, community participation, daily living, and adult life.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with young adults who have a wide range of abilities and support needs. This individual should be flexible, encouraging, and able to promote independence while providing appropriate assistance when needed. Because much of the program's instruction takes place outside of the traditional classroom, candidates must feel confident working in community and employment settings.
Essential Responsibilities
The ASPIRE paraprofessional will:
Support young adults as they develop employment, independent living, communication, self-advocacy, and community participation skills.
Provide instructional and behavioral support based on each young adult's individual needs and goals.
Supervise and support a small group of young adults independently in school, workplace, and community settings.
Safely transport young adults in a school-owned vehicle to job sites, community activities, appointments, and other program experiences.
Feel comfortable regularly driving young adults throughout the surrounding and extended community in a full-size school-provided van.
Assist young adults at community-based job placements and help them complete workplace responsibilities safely and successfully.
Encourage young adults to complete tasks as independently as possible while providing prompting, modeling, redirection, or physical assistance when appropriate.
Assist with personal care needs, which may include toileting, hygiene, dressing, feeding, mobility, and other daily living needs.
Maintain the privacy, dignity, and safety of young adults when providing personal care or other individualized support.
Communicate observations, concerns, and progress to the ASPIRE teacher and other members of the educational team.
Follow instructional plans, behavioral support plans, medical protocols, safety procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
Build positive and professional relationships with young adults, families, employers, community partners, and program staff.
Remain flexible as schedules, job placements, transportation needs, and young adults needs may change throughout the day.
Desired Qualifications and Characteristics
We are looking for someone who:
Has a valid driver's license and is comfortable driving a school-owned vehicle with young adults as passengers.
Can confidently supervise and support a small group independently.
Is comfortable working in a variety of community, employment, and public settings.
Is willing and able to provide personal care respectfully and safely.
Demonstrates patience, reliability, good judgment, and a calm approach.
Understands the importance of balancing necessary support with opportunities for independence.
Communicates effectively and works collaboratively with teachers, paraprofessionals, families, employers, and community partners.
Is able to respond appropriately to unexpected situations and changing needs.
Maintains confidentiality and treats all young adults with dignity and respect.
Has previous experience working with individuals with disabilities, although relevant training and support may be provided.
Physical and Work Requirements
This position may require standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, assisting with mobility, and providing physical or personal care support. The paraprofessional must be able to work in school, workplace, transportation, and community environments and legally operate school-owned vehicles while transporting young adults.
| Location | Mukwonago, WI |