About Us
At Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), we’re more than educators. We are innovators, collaborators, and community builders serving over 64,000 students and 8,500 educators across the region. Whether it’s general education, special education, or career technical education, we lead with purpose and partnership to make a meaningful difference every day.
Learn more about our culture and programs by clicking here.
Position Summary
The Para-Educator supports students with disabilities in classrooms, community-based experiences, or one-on-one settings. Under the guidance of certified/licensed staff, you will assist with instructional, behavioral, and health-related activities to help students achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in child development, education, psychology, or special education preferred
- Experience working with children/adults with special needs preferred
- Physical ability to lift/move students and perform essential duties
- Must meet Michigan DHS Child Abuse and Neglect Registry clearance
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Range:
- High School Diploma/GED: $17.53 – $23.90 per hour
- High School Diploma/GED and 30+ College Credits: $18.36 – $25.07 per hour
Work Schedule: 185 days / 7 hours daily
Paid Time Off:
- Sick and Personal Business paid time, up to 13 days
- Bereavement Leave
Insurance:
Employees are eligible for the following insurance benefits after one full day of employment:
- Comprehensive health plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield - MESSA
- Dental and Vision Coverage (no cost to employee and qualifying family members)
- Life, short-term and long-term disability benefits
- Additional coverages; supplemental benefit options, additional life insurance and pet insurance
Retirement: Two plan options through the 15th largest pension system in the United Stated, Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS)
Additional Benefits:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional Development opportunities
- Longevity pay after 10 years of service
Why Grow With Us?
- We value each other, support one another, and celebrate every win.
- We don’t just talk about growth, we support it with mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership opportunities that help you shape your future.
- Wellness and support programs that promote a healthy work-life balance, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness opportunities, and paid community service time.
- Make a direct impact on the lives of students and families.
- Be a part of an employee-focused culture that believes “People are our Greatest Asset”.
Genesee Intermediate School District is proud of our inclusive and supportive culture that encourages growth, celebrates teamwork, and embraces new ideas. Through our mission of leadership, service, innovation, and partnering for success, we offer meaningful professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that help you grow personally and professionally.
Questions Along the Way?
If you have questions about the role, the hiring process, or GISD’s culture, reach out at any time!
Human Resources: 810-591-4260
Email: GISDHR@geneseeisd.org
Equal Employment Opportunity
Genesee Intermediate School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in its programs or employment practices.
From PDF Description
Genesee Intermediate School District
Human Resources and Operations
Employee Job Description
Job Title:
Para-Educator, Special Education
Job Summary:
The Para-Educator is responsible for assisting certificated staff, licensed physical therapists,
occupational therapists, and other ancillary staff in the support of instructional, health-related,
recreational, and prevocational/job training activities in the assigned area of responsibility for
students with disabilities. The Para-Educator may be assigned to one classroom, to assist with
home visits, or as a one-on-one assistant to a student or to a variety of assignments
depending on the needs of the students. Para-Educators can perform one or more of these
functions as assigned by a supervisor.
Essential Duties (May include, but not limited to):
1. Provides program support in instructional and related activities in the assigned area of
responsibility for students with disabilities under the direction of certificated, licensed,
and ancillary staff.
2. Participates in the Individualized Education Program Team/Individualized Family
Service Plan (IEPT/IFSP) meetings when requested.
3. Assists with the implementation of instructional activities based on the student goals
and objectives as written in the Individualized Education Program (IEP/IFSP).
4. Under the direction and supervision of the certificated teacher, reinforces and
supplements curriculum in the community, including worksites and other community-
based experiences. This may occur without the teacher present during the community
experience.
5. Provides input to behavior intervention plan meetings and/or other meetings with the
staff and/or parents for the development of individualized behavior intervention plans for
the students in the assigned area, as requested.
6. Implements established procedures and interventions in accordance with the
individualized behavior intervention plans and district policies/guidelines.
7. Loads and unloads students from school buses/vehicles under the direction of
certificated, licensed, and ancillary staff.
8. Assists with the lifting and movement of students as needed.
9. Assists with meals, play, recreational and other activities, as required, on the assigned
area of responsibility.
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Para-Educator
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Essential Duties Continued:
10. Participates in the staff meetings, in-service/staff development activities, training, and
school improvement team activities.
11. Services as an instructional team member and performs student health care services in
accordance with district administrative guidelines.
12. Assists in the collection of data regarding programs and services provided to students
with disabilities.
13. Consistently models Win-Win leadership.
Other Duties:
1. Uses technology to communicate with staff and students.
2. Assists in the preparation of bulletin boards, duplication of materials and other material
preparation activities in the assigned area of responsibility.
3. May be required to transport students to and from community sites.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent required. Sixty (60) semester hours college credit, preferred.
Coursework in child development, education, psychology, social work or field related to special
education preferred. Valid Michigan driver’s license preferred. Proven ability to maintain safe
driving record.
Experience:
Work experience with children or adults in a group home or foster care facility specializing as a
caregiver for residents with special needs may also be considered. Experience with students
and/or adults with cognitive impairment, severe multiple impairment, autism spectrum
disorders, emotional impairment or early childhood developmental delay, relevant to the
vacancy posted, preferred.
Two years of successful, documented work experience providing direct care
services/instructional support for persons with special needs preferred. Work experience in a
child care or educational program preferred.
Skills/Other:
Must meet State of Michigan Department of Human Services Child Abuse and Neglect
Registry Clearance as applicable. Ability to accept supervision and directing. Ability to work
creatively and skillfully with students. Communicate effectively with students. Ability to utilize
district technology and work to main proficiency, as required skills sets change with technology
and/or needs of the district. Present a professional self-image. Communicate professionally,
effectively and in a timely fashion. Exhibit dependability. Interact positively with parents,
caregivers and team members. Cooperate with other staff.
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Para-Educator
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Skills/Other Continued:
Follow district health and safety procedures. Demonstrate physical stamina necessary for
lifting and moving students up to 26 years of age; repetitive stooping, squatting, bending,
lifting, walking, kneeling, and reaching while maintaining personal balance and stability;
implement established behavior improvement intervention plans and perform the essential job
duties. Punctuality and good attendance are requirements for the position. Demonstrate
honesty integrity, and professionalism at all times. Exhibit emotional stability, exercise good
judgement and make decision in accordance with board and established administrative
guidelines.
Special Job Considerations:
Certification: Not required
Type of Certification: Not Required
Bargaining Unit: Genesee Intermediate Educational Personnel Association (GIESPA)
Salary Schedule: Para-Educator Salary Schedules
Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal, Assistant Principal, or other Administrator
Supervision:
Date: May 18, 2021; March 2, 2022; February 7, 2023
Approved: TLH: cs
Job Description 150
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