ESI Paraprofessional
Central High School
2025-26
Job Summary: A paraprofessional at Portage Central High School is a caring, critical member of a highly specialized team who provides assistance to students with highly specific needs to ensure they meet and/or exceed rigorous academic and non–academic standards. Working under the direction of a certified teacher, this colleague provides both instructional and non-instructional support to one or more students receiving special education services, while also offering general support to others as needed. The paraprofessional serves as a bridge between special and general education staff and assigned students, and plays an essential role in ensuring student safety, progress, and independence throughout the school day. They are team-oriented, growth-minded, student-centered, and highly adaptable under a wide range of expected and unexpected circumstances.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support students and teachers during instructional periods by helping clarify and complete assignment instructions, working individually with one or more students on assigned activities, administering assessments as directed, and assisting in the monitoring and organization of schoolwork using digital and hands-on tools
- Supervise and support students during non-instructional periods (e.g. transitions, bathroom breaks, meal times, etc.)
- Support daily student check-in/check-out procedures (e.g. serve breakfast, conduct safety searches, ask consistent questions, escort to/from locations, etc.)
- Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality
- Implement Individual Education Plans and Positive Behavior Support Plans with fidelity and provide relevant observation data to the school psychologist to inform them
- Monitor, observe and record evidence of student performance in academic and non-academic settings during the school day (e.g. class engagement, peer interactions, use of electronic devices, etc.)
- Apply behavior modification strategies as directed by the student’s (or students’) behavior support team(s)
- Support students’ social-emotional needs, including processing peer interactions using techniques provided by the school psychologist
- Support the development of independence in life skills
- Assist with and/or provide personal or medical care needs (e.g. feeding, toileting, engaging medical devices, wardrobe changes, etc.)
- Safely employ nonviolent de-escalation and physical safety strategies consistent with provided training (e.g. seclusion, restraint)
- Comply with all district policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook
- Perform other duties as assigned
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- The equivalent of 2 years of college (60 semester credits) or an Associate’s degree or higher OR the successful completion of the MDE approved Paraprofessional standards test (ETS).
- Demonstrated history of regular and consistent workplace attendance
- Experience working in an environment where providing structure and consistency, maintaining confidentiality, and practicing sensitivity was expected
- Experience working with children (teens preferred) in a supervisory capacity
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including a high degree of patience
- Willingness to learn new skills, take direction, and model a growth mindset
- Ability to be flexible, manage time wisely, and prioritize job responsibilities under stress
- Demonstrated abilities in the area of interpersonal communication.
- A high degree of patience, ability and willingness to learn new skills and take direction.
Please apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps
Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Tuyls. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002
