Paraprofessional I - Wildcat Pathways Academy

Job Title: Paraprofessional I - Wildcat Pathways Academy

Reports to: Building Principal

Supervised by: Intervention Specialists

Location: William Henry Harrison High School

Pay Rate: $17.10

Southwest Local School District, situated in the southwestern corner of Ohio, is composed of: Harrison Elementary School, Miami Whitewater Elementary School, Crosby Elementary School, the Southwest Early Childhood Learning Center, Harrison Junior School and William Henry Harrison High School. The District has achieved an "Excellent" rating from the Ohio Department of Education for the past four years and each of our schools have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Education.

Our Mission: "Academic and Social Growth for all students, every day!"

Our Motto: "Excellence through Relationships"

Our Core Values: Trust, Respect, Ownership and Leadership

Southwest Local School District believes in providing the best possible learning environment by hiring, developing and retaining quality personnel. We believe that education needs to take a leadership role in improving society by enhancing activities/programs that help develop well-rounded students who can cope with everyday pressures. We are seeking a Paraprofessional I for the Wildcat Pathways Academy.

Job Summary:The Paraprofessional at Wildcat Pathways Academy supports students and staff in creating a structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment focused on academic growth, career readiness, and workplace-based learning experiences. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to effectively manage student learning environments, and active supervision of students during classroom instruction, field trips, and workplace learning activities. The paraprofessional works collaboratively with WPA director and staff and community partners to help students develop the academic, social, and employability skills necessary for success.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Learning Environment Management

• Assist in implementing instructional activities and individualized student supports.
• Help maintain a positive, safe, and productive learning environment that promotes student engagement and success.
• Support behavior management strategies and reinforce school expectations consistently.
• Foster a compassionate learning environment while maintaining high expectations
• Utilize a systematic approach when managing learning environments
• Support students in developing workplace readiness skills such as punctuality, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and task completion.
• Reinforce expectations for appropriate conduct in professional and community settings.

Organization & Program Coordination

• Demonstrate strong organizational skills in maintaining schedules, records, student documentation, and instructional materials.
• Support coordination of daily classroom operations and transitions between activities.
• Maintain accurate attendance, participation, and activity logs as required.

Supervision & Student Safety

• Provide direct supervision of students during classroom instruction, transitions, lunch periods, and other school activities.
• Supervise students during field trips, community outings, and workplace learning experiences to ensure safety, engagement, and appropriate behavior.
• Assist with transportation coordination and student accountability during off-campus activities.
• Ensure compliance with school safety procedures and emergency protocols.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, related service staff, and community partners.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families regarding student progress and program expectations.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

Desired Characteristics

The ideal candidate is:

• Organized and dependable
• Student-centered and supportive
• Flexible and adaptable
• Calm under pressure, trauma informed
• Able to build positive relationships with students
• Committed to fostering career readiness and student success

Wildcat Pathways Academy is committed to providing students with innovative learning opportunities that prepare them for future education, employment, and independent success.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma required.
• Valid certificate / license as issued by the Ohio Department of Education.

Benefits:

Southwest Local School District participates in the Southwest Ohio Organization for School Health (SWOOSH). SWOOSH is a health and wellness consortium for school districts and government agencies that come together to provide stability and quality access to health care and benefits to all eligible members. Full-time employees have access to the benefits below:

• Retirement
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance 100% paid by District
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mental Health Benefits
• Paid Time Off

Southwest Local School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.