Paraprofessional

The Paraprofessional works closely with certified Teachers and student support staff to help create a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment. This role focuses on assisting students who may have experienced trauma, instability, or educational disruption by helping them develop emotional regulation, positive social skills, and academic engagement.

Do you believe that every child deserves a healthy, happy, nurturing environment in which to grow? Are you an individual who desires to dedicate your career to enriching the lives of children and families? If so, we look forward to you joining Residing Hope where you can make a positive difference to children and families in need.

How We Help Children in Need

At Residing Hope, we believe that children and families should be empowered to experience the transforming love of Christ through evidence-based care and holistic services. This is reflected in our work as we care for children in crisis, including those abused, abandoned or neglected.

We give love, hope, and a place to live to more than 500 children through group homes, foster care, an independent living program, and specialized therapy.

Why Residing Hope?

• Competitive insurance plans, including health, dental, vision, life insurances, and more
• Work life balance, including flexible scheduling, generous paid time off plans and ten paid holidays per year
• Retirement benefits with up to a 5% contribution match
• Educational tuition reimbursement and certification incentives
• Incredible training opportunities
• Discounted tuition rates to our onsite Montessori school

What You Need

• Associate’s Degree in Education or related field of study and experience working with children or youth in educational, childcare, mentoring, or community settings preferred; or any combination of training, education and experience which would provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills to successfully perform in this role.
• Associate’s degree or coursework in education, psychology, social work, or child development, preferred.
• Experience working with foster youth, at-risk students, or trauma-impacted children, preferred.
• Training in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), trauma-informed care, or behavior support strategies, preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth and adults with the ability to coach them in achieving their academic and behavioral goals.
• Excellent problem solving skills, including the ability to make quick decisions when necessary.
• Strong analytical and creative thinking skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity to our target population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the certified teacher with daily classroom instruction and activities.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support to students who need additional academic or behavioral guidance.
• Reinforce lesson objectives and help students stay engaged in learning tasks.
• Help maintain an organized, structured classroom environment.
• Model and reinforce positive social behaviors such as empathy, respect, cooperation, and responsible decision-making.
• Support students in practicing emotional regulation and coping strategies.
• Encourage positive peer interactions and conflict resolution.
• Assist in implementing SEL activities and classroom routines.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with students who may have experienced trauma or placement disruptions.
• Provide encouragement and emotional support during challenging moments.
• Help students transition between activities and manage emotional responses.
• Follow trauma-informed practices that promote safety, stability, and consistency.
• Support implementation of positive behavior supports and restorative practices.
• Help redirect students in a calm, respectful manner when behavioral challenges occur.
• Assist with monitoring student behavior and reinforcing classroom expectations.
• Work closely with the lead teacher, program therapist, and school staff to support student success.
• Participate in team meetings or training sessions related to student support and SEL strategies.
• Communicate observations about student progress or concerns to the supervising teacher.
• Assist with monitoring students during transitions, recess, lunch, and other school activities.
• Help ensure student safety and well-being throughout the school day.
• Perform all other job duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

House Bill 531 (2025)

Requires that we provide the following link that we screen all applicants through

the Clearinghouse

https://info.flclearinghouse.com