Lead Paraprofessional

JOB TITLE: Lead Paraprofessional

DIVISION: Academy

REPORTS TO: Operations Manager

SUPERVISES:None

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: At BHA Academy the Lead Paraprofessional is a senior instructional support and coordination role responsible for ensuring high-fidelity implementation of academic behavioral and therapeutic programming across classrooms. This role serves as the day-to-day lead for paraprofessional staff supporting staffing coordination coaching documentation oversight and consistency of classroom systems.

The Lead Paraprofessional works in close partnership with Case Managers teachers clinicians and operations leadership to ensure students receive structured predictable and individualized supports aligned to their IEPs BIPs and treatment plans. This position requires strong leadership presence organization and the ability to support staff and students in high-intensity therapeutic learning environments.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employees must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation including maintaining continuous alertness providing direct supervision driving individuals served as required and administering medications as trained

Lead Paras implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions skill-building programs and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required

Associates or Bachelors degree in education psychology behavioral science or related field preferred

Minimum two (2) years experience as a paraprofessional in a special education or therapeutic school setting

Prior experience providing informal leadership mentoring peers or supporting classroom coordination strongly preferred

Performance Standards

Demonstrates consistent high-fidelity implementation of instructional and behavioral plans

Maintains strong attendance reliability and professional conduct

Demonstrates leadership presence sound judgment and calm decision-making

Applies feedback constructively and supports team growth

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership communication and interpersonal skills

Excellent organization time management and problem-solving abilities

Ability to coach and support paraprofessionals in real time

Emotional resilience and professionalism in high-pressure situations

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compassion with Purpose

Build respectful trauma-informed relationships with students ensuring dignity safety and high expectations

Support students with significant emotional behavioral and developmental needs using evidence-based practices

Model compassionate consistent responses to challenging behavior and guide peers in best practices

Support paraprofessional staff with empathy while holding clear expectations for performance

Structure Builds Safety

Coordinate daily paraprofessional staffing assignments to ensure classroom coverage and student safety

Support consistent implementation of classroom routines schedules and transitions across settings

Serve as a first point of contact for staffing issues coverage gaps and urgent operational needs during the school day

Monitor adherence to visual schedules reinforcement systems and safety protocols

Professionalism in Every Moment

Model professionalism accountability confidentiality and ethical conduct at all times

Provide in-the-moment coaching and redirection to paraprofessionals when expectations are not met

Communicate clearly and respectfully with leadership teachers clinicians and support staff

Support a culture of feedback growth and mutual respect

Administers medications and completes MAR documentation in accordance with training physician orders and BHA policy

Positivity Drives Progress

Maintain a calm solutions-focused approach during challenging or high-stress situations

Encourage staff morale teamwork and resilience throughout the school day

Reinforce strengths and celebrate student and staff progress

Education is Empowerment

Conduct in-the-moment academic fidelity checks to ensure instructional strategies align with student plans

Support paraprofessionals in data collection instructional engagement and academic supports

Provide small-group or individualized instructional support as assigned

Reinforce evidence-based instructional practices across classrooms

Consistency Creates Change

Ensure consistent expectations routines and interventions across paraprofessional teams

Monitor completion and accuracy of daily documentation data sheets student logs and incident reports

Identify documentation gaps and support corrective action

Support continuity of care across classrooms and transitions

Reunification is Our Mission

Support programming that promotes independence regulation and readiness for less restrictive environments

Communicate observations and trends to Case Managers and leadership to inform student progress

Ensure consistency of expectations even during staff changes or absences

Advocacy Through Action

Advocate for student safety dignity and access to high-quality instruction

Elevate concerns related to student needs staffing or program integrity to leadership

Mentor paraprofessionals to build confidence skill and professional growth

Serve as a stabilizing leader across Academy environments

Other Duties

Support coverage and scheduling coordination in collaboration with designated parties.

Conduct end-of-day checks on team documentation and ensure completion of required forms.

Support onboarding and mentoring of new paraprofessionals.

Perform other duties and special projects to support various organizational initiatives as assigned.

Participate in team meetings professional development and required trainings (e.g. PCM Tools of Choice CPR/FA Mandated Reporting).

Support personal care needs (toileting feeding hygiene mobility) as outlined in student plans.

Complete documentation accurately and promptly including data collection incident reports and daily notes.

Maintain classroom cleanliness organization and safety standards.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) HSA Flexible Spending Account Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• PTO and Sick Time begin accruing on Day 1
• $100 monthly wellness spending account after 90 days
• OnDemand Pay (access earned wages when needed)

• Starting Pay: From $18.92/hour PLUS education experience and qualifications
• $1000 Sign-On Bonus
  • $500 after 90 days
  • Additional $500 after 180 days (with continued employment in good standing)