Position Summary
The Student Support Paraprofessional works directly with the Principal to support a safe, respectful, and positive school environment. The position provides direct support to students experiencing behavioral, social-emotional, or school-engagement challenges and assists with the implementation of the school's discipline and restorative practices.
The Student Support Paraprofessional builds positive relationships with students, assists students in navigating conflicts and challenging situations, and supports students in developing skills related to self-regulation, problem-solving, accountability, and positive decision-making. The position works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel to provide consistent and supportive responses to student behavior.
The Student Support Paraprofessional does not independently administer discipline or make administrative decisions but works under the direction of the Principal.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Support and Supervision
- Provide direct support and supervision to students who are experiencing behavioral, social-emotional, or school-engagement challenges.
- Develop positive, trusting relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Assist students in identifying and using strategies for self-regulation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and positive decision-making.
- Provide support to students who need a temporary break from the classroom or assistance returning successfully to the learning environment.
- Monitor designated student areas and provide supervision as assigned, especially in common areas and during lunch and recess.
- Assist students in transitioning between settings and returning to class following behavioral incidents or other challenges.
- Support students in understanding school expectations and the impact of their choices and actions.
Discipline and Restorative Practices
- Work directly with the Principal to support the school's student discipline processes.
- Assist administrators in gathering information related to student behavioral incidents, as directed.
- Support students following disciplinary incidents by helping them reflect on their behavior, understand expectations, and develop plans for moving forward.
- Assist with restorative conversations.
- Help facilitate opportunities for students to repair harm, rebuild relationships, and take responsibility for their actions.
- Support the implementation and monitoring of student behavior or re-entry plans.
- Reinforce consistent school expectations and behavioral interventions established by school administration.
- Document student interactions and interventions as directed and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
Collaboration and Communication
- Communicate regularly with the Principal regarding student needs, concerns, behavioral patterns, and progress.
- Collaborate with teachers, counselors, special education staff, and other school personnel to support students.
- Participate in meetings concerning student behavior and support plans, as assigned.
- Maintain professional and respectful communication with students, staff, and families.
- Share relevant observations with appropriate school personnel while maintaining confidentiality and following District policies and procedures.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal, or other designated administrator.
- Follow all District policies, school procedures, safety requirements, and applicable laws.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and school matters.
- Attend required training and professional development related to student behavior, restorative practices, de-escalation, and student support.
- Will attend training through the Crisis Prevention Institute to safely prevent, recognize, and de-escalate aggressive or disruptive behaviors.
Qualifications Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience working with school-aged children or adolescents.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students.
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional when working with students experiencing challenging behaviors.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a school team.
- Ability to follow directions and implement established student support and behavioral strategies.
Preferred
- Experience working in a school or educational setting.
- Experience with restorative practices, conflict resolution, or positive behavioral interventions.
- Training or experience in de-escalation and crisis prevention.
- Experience working with students with diverse behavioral, social-emotional, or learning needs.
- Coursework or training in education, human services, psychology, social work, or a related field.
- Physical and Working Requirements
The position may involve working with students during periods of heightened emotion or behavioral escalation and requires the ability to respond calmly and appropriately in such situations.
REPORTS TO:
Principal and/or other Supervisor
SALARY:
$17.35 to $24.01 per hour in accordance with the paraprofessional contract.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Submit letter of application to:
April West, Principal
Becket Washington Elementary School
12 Maple Street
Becket, MA 01223
AWest@cbrsd.org
Central Berkshire Regional School District, in accordance with its non-discrimination and zero tolerance policy, does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, disability, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, veteran status, or gender identity and does not tolerate any form of discrimination, intimidation, threat, coercion and/or harassment that insults the dignity of others by interfering with their freedom to learn and work. [M.G.L. c.76, s5]