About this role
This vacancy will remain open until filled. This is a Regular, 7.5 hour/day Paraprofessional position that is budgeted for 193 days per school year. It will begin August 24, 2026. Application Instructions: Current District Regular Employees: Sign into TalentEd/Applicant Tracking as an internal applicant and submit your letter of interest. Include a resume or outline your qualifications. External Applicants (including Substitutes and District Coaches): Submit an electronic application through TalentEd/Applicant Tracking (link on District website or click this link https://hoodriver.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx) Include with your electronic application:
• A letter of interest to Adrienne Acosta, May Street Elementary School Principal
• Current resume;
• Three (3) recent letters of reference or provide the names and contact information for three professional references
• Official college transcripts or test score report(s) will be required upon hire.
All materials need to be included in your TalentEd/Applicant Tracking application Job Purpose Statement: May Street Elementary is seeking a proactive, community-minded Special Education Paraprofessional to support our Special Education programming. The job of Special Education Paraprofessional is done for the purpose of facilitating student success in academic and interpersonal skills through independently implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of students; providing a safe and optimal learning environment, and providing direct feedback to students, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, representing the district as needed in special education meetings, and other duties as assigned. Essential Job Functions:
• Support both Learning Specialists and Instructional Assistants with small groups (academic, social emotional, functional academics etc)
• Provide adult support to various students throughout the school day
• Offer training and guidance to special education instructional assistants in the areas of best practice, behavior interventions, student and classroom strategies
• Lead professional development for general education staff in the areas of behavior management strategies
• Monitor and observe student behavior according to approved policies and procedures
• Record and analyze student behavior data
• Develop strong and effective rapport and interact e?ectively with students
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Handle emotionally charged situations with flexibility and calm
• Interact and collaborate with staff, students and families in a professional manner
• Maintain confidentiality
Other Job Functions:
• Assists licensed staff members for the purpose of instructing students, individually and in small groups, by implementing lesson plans, instructional activities; administering tests; teaching library skills; and planning.
• Monitors individual students, classroom and campus activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Maintains classroom equipment, students' files, records, etc. for the purpose of ensuring availability of items as may be required.
• Performs limited clerical functions directly related to the instructional assignment for the purpose of instructing students (i.e., preparing materials, instructional records for student files, communication with parents, etc.).
• Maintains regular and appropriate attendance and is on time for assignment(s) for the purpose of meeting the needs of the students and the district.
• Supports behavior by de-escalating situations and supporting students experiencing emotional dysregulation.
• Uses appropriate strategies and support to maintain student and staff safety. May track and report on behavior to the IEP case manager or behavioral support staff
• Administers tests for the purpose of assisting licensed staff members in evaluating students' progress.
• Confers with licensed staff members, and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in the evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing students' objectives
• Participates in various meetings for the purpose of sharing information and/or improving one's skills/knowledge
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities (i.e., small groups, special needs children, computer labs, physical and/or occupational therapy, and/or talented and gifted)
The following experience is preferred, but not required:
• Experience working with students in an inclusive setting
• Knowledge and experience in trauma informed care
• Established and excellent communication skills with all stakeholders (teachers, administration, students, and staff)
• Familiar with restorative justice practices
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, de-escalation techniques
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, behavior management techniques
• Knowledge of intensive behavior intervention techniques
• Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities, development delays and autistic behavior
• Knowledge of basic subjects taught in district schools including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading, including punctuation and vocabulary and ability to assist with instructional and related activities in a learning environment
• Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities and health regulations
• Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques
Minimum Job Qualifications: Education Required: High School diploma or equivalent and Associate's degree (72 quarter hours of accredited college or equivalent education) preferred, or passing score on a rigorous Paraprofessional Assessment. Required testing: Any offer of employment made by Hood River County School District to an external candidate is contingent upon satisfactory results of:
• Drug screening tests for any illegal drug or substance classified in Schedules I through V under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 811 to 812. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, mind-altering substances or narcotic drugs such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or any other illegal drug or controlled substance, except those federally recognized as legally prescribed by a physician and used as directed.
• Post-offer physical abilities assessment.
• Nationwide criminal history verification - a background check for any convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the applicant from employment.
• Fingerprint-based nation-wide background clearance.
The hourly pay range for this position for the 2026/27 school year will be $21.31 to $24.94/hour. Classified employees who pass the District's English/Spanish bilingual test will earn an additional 5% hourly increase. HOOD RIVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabled persons may contact Hood River County School District at 541/387-5016 for additional information or assistance. Speech or hearing-impaired persons may contact Hood River County School District for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 1-800-735-2900.