Guest (Substitute) Paraeducator 2026-2027

Job Title: Guest (Substitute) Paraeducator
 
Position Function: Assumes the duties of the regularly assigned classroom paraeducator in their absence. A guest (substitute) paraeducator is directly responsible to the building administrator for which they are substituting and the classroom teacher as well as all expectations set forth by the Human Resources Department. The guest paraeducator should be prepared to assist the teacher and other paraeducators to meet the needs of the students.
 
Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Must be able to work at least 15 assignments per school semester and follow through with all accepted assignments.
• Follows the teacher and other paraeducators instructions.
• Provides lessons as instructed by the teacher and other instructional materials to meet individual needs of the student while considering factors such as physical, emotional and educational levels of development.
• Adheres strictly to professional ethics.
• Protects confidentiality of all USD 259 students.
• Assists with managing the learning environment by handling non-instructional tasks efficiently, using instructional time appropriately, maintaining an effective physical setting for instruction, and maintaining appropriate student behavior in the classroom.
• Assists with maintaining order on the playground.
• Makes necessary referrals of students to other professional personnel according to the building plan.
• Reports all student injuries, accidents, illnesses, and discipline problems as well as all student concerns or allegations to the appropriate authority immediately, or as soon as is reasonably possible.
• Reviews job status i.e. dates, times, cancellations, number of days of the assignment etc. on Absence Management regularly.
• Willingness and flexibility to change an assignment (be it grade level or subject) at a moment's notice when asked by a building administrator.
• Maintain open communication with Guest Staff Services concerning changes in assignments and resignation of Guest Paraeducator position.
• Meet the Guest (Substitute) Paraeducator eligibility guidelines set forth by the Human Resources Office.

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
 
Equipment: This position may be required  to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines..  Must always comply with USD 259’s guidelines for equipment use.
 
Travel: Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.
 
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• The physical and mental ability to work in a variety of classroom settings and deliver behavioral strategies for the safety and welfare of all students.
• Ability to work outdoors and supervise students in various weather conditions during outdoor student activities.
• Must be able to walk long distances, respond rapidly in emergency situations, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps, reach overhead, lift, push, pull up to 50 pounds, or more with assistance, and stand for long periods of time.
• Lift and carry 10 pounds for 3 to 6 hours
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds for 1 to 3 hours
• Lift and carry up to 100 pounds with assistance for one hour
• Push / pull 10 pounds for more than 100 feet for up to 3 hours
• Push / pull 50 pounds usually for 5 feet or less up to 1 hour
• Stand or walk for up to 3 hours
• May be required to lift/transfer students from wheelchairs or other training devices.
• May be required to diaper students of various ages.
• Must be able to see and hear well.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Treats students with understanding and respect.
• Must be able to work at least 15 assignments per school semester and follow through with all accepted assignments.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building 
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Qualification Profile

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must pass the Physical Capacity Test (PCP) to perform categorical assignments

FLSA Status: Non-exempt