Academic and Functional Skills (AFS) Paraprofessional

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

Together | A Future Without Limits

KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) is a non-profit network of 13 college / career-preparatory, public charter schools serving approximately 5,000 elementary, middle, and high school students, and over 2,000 alumni. While each of our schools is as unique as the community to which it belongs, we are united around a shared promise : To build academically excellent schools that create unlimited opportunity for all students. For 20 years, we have a proven track record of preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond.

At KIPP, you have the freedom to innovate and the support to grow. You never stop learning, and you’re part of a national network that’s leading the way in getting students from underserved communities to and through college, and beyond. As the largest charter school management organization in New Orleans, we serve nearly 15% of the city’s students, so we need passionate teammates to join us to make their impact at KIPP. Where will YOU take us? Click here to learn more about teaching and working at KIPP!

Job Description

KIPP Paraprofessionals are instructional and student support teammates who ensure every student has access to grade-level learning and the social-emotional supports to thrive. They deliver targeted interventions, facilitate small-group instruction, implement accommodations and behavior plans, and provide specialized support in inclusion, resource, and self-contained settings. Paraprofessionals may also be asked to flex to cover classes, sub when needed, and keep the school day running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

1) General Education Instruction (Tiered Support & Small Groups)

Deliver evidence-based interventions (phonics, reading comprehension, math fluency, writing) aligned to teacher plans and school RTI / MTSS systems.

Lead or support small-group instruction during core blocks and intervention periods; monitor and document student progress using school data tools.

Reinforce classroom routines, academic language, and learning objectives; circulate to prompt thinking, check for understanding, and provide immediate feedback.

Prepare materials, anchor charts, and manipulatives; maintain an organized, accessible learning environment.

Support assessment administration (screeners, progress monitoring, exit tickets) and enter data with accuracy and timeliness.

2) Special Education Instruction (Inclusion & Resource)

Implement IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications with fidelity across settings (general education, inclusion, resource).

Provide targeted re-teaching, pre-teaching, and scaffolded practice using high-quality instructional materials; assist with assistive technology and accessible formats.

Collect service minutes and progress data; communicate strengths, needs, and next steps to the special education teacher / case manager.

Collaborate with general education teachers to co-plan logistics (seating, prompts, visuals, behavior supports) that preserve access to grade-level content.

Support compliance tasks (student work samples, progress reports, documentation) as directed by the special education teacher.

3) Special Programs

AFS — Academic / Functional Skills

Support instruction in functional academics, communication, daily living, community, and vocational skills using structured, predictable routines.

Implement individualized visual schedules, task analyses, and prompt hierarchies; collect precise data on student independence and generalization.

Assist with personal care needs (toileting, feeding, mobility, hygiene) with dignity and adherence to training and safety protocols.

Facilitate inclusive opportunities and community-based instruction as appropriate; ensure safe transportation and transitions.

BSP — Behavior Support Program

Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and crisis-prevention strategies with consistency; use de-escalation and restorative practices.

Provide high-rates of active supervision, positive reinforcement, and structured choice; track ABC data and frequency / duration metrics.

Serve as a 1 : 1 paraprofessional when assigned : prime expectations, prompt skill use (coping, replacement behaviors), and coordinate with the behavior team on daily goals.

Maintain student and staff safety; follow all incident reporting, CPI / nonviolent crisis intervention, and confidentiality requirements.

4) Flex Responsibilities (Coverage & Operations)

Provide short-term class coverage or sub for teachers per school needs (instructional plans provided).

Support arrival / dismissal, transitions, lunch / recess, hall monitoring, and testing administration.

Communicate regularly with teachers and families using strengths-based language; uphold KNOS core values and school norms.

Participate in professional learning, coaching, and practice-based rehearsal; incorporate feedback to continuously improve.

Qualifications

Required

High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or 48+ college credit hours preferred (per ESSA / Title I para requirements).

Experience working with children or youth in schools, camps, or community programs.

Commitment to inclusive practices, high expectations for all learners, and culturally responsive teamwork.

Ability to follow instructional plans, collect data accurately, and maintain confidentiality (FERPA / IDEA).

Willingness to assist with personal care and behavior supports as trained.

A personal affinity to our mission and vision, as well as demonstrated commitment to our 5 core beliefs - Relentlessness, Elevation, Achievement, Community, and Hope.

All offers are considered pending until the successful completion of a professional reference check, including your most recent supervisor, as well as a state / federal background check.

Preferred

Associate’s degree or 48+ college credit hours preferred (per ESSA / Title I para requirements).

Paraeducator certification or PRAXIS ParaPro.

Experience in special education (inclusion, resource, AFS / self-contained) and / or behavior programs (BSP, 1 : 1).

Training in CPI / nonviolent crisis intervention, ABA fundamentals, or assistive technology

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands and environmental conditions described below are representative, but not exhaustive, of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. All of these physical requirements should be able to be performed with clarity, coherence and connectedness of the KNOS vision, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to communicate information and ideas effectively so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations, including noisy environments such as cafeterias and playgrounds, to more moderate situations such as classrooms or large group professional settings.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers and various digital devices. Read, analyze, and interpret data (emails, memos, letters, etc.) and maintain visual attention and mental concentration for significant periods of time.

Able to sit and work at a desk / computer for extended periods of time

Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and the ability to sit on the floor and rise unassisted as instruction requires.

Ability to safely lift and move up to 40–50 lbs independently, and to assist with student transfers up to ~120 lbs using approved lift equipment and / or team-assist techniques after training.

Provide dignified support for toileting (including diapering), feeding, hygiene, and mobility in accordance with training, safety protocols, and student care plans.

Under appropriate supervision and per student plans, assist with complex medical needs such as g-tubes, tracheostomy care, ventilator support, specialized feeding, wheelchairs / positioning, and related equipment set-up / clean-up.

Work with students who may have limited verbal ability, cognitive impairments, profound disabilities, and / or maladaptive behaviors; implement de-escalation strategies, behavior plans, and safety procedures as trained.

Provide services to students of all ages as assigned; support inclusive, resource, and specialized program settings.

Participate in required trainings (e.g., lifting / transfer, personal care, medical procedures, crisis prevention). Follow all health, safety, and confidentiality protocols; use PPE and adaptive equipment as directed.

Duties may require traveling to other school facilities using employee's personal transportation.

This is a full-time, 100% on-site position; Regular work hours, Monday through Friday, will be established with your supervisor. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Commitments

• Maintain a friendly, respectful, professional and courteous attitude with all people, including all KNOS employees, Board members, community and philanthropic partners, funders, and vendors.
• Model superior customer service behavior by maintaining positive relationships with all KNOS stakeholders.
• Contribute as a positive and effective team member; work effectively with other team members to accomplish KNOS goals.
• Be prompt and available for flexible scheduling; be honest and fair in all professional dealings.

Additional Information

Disclaimer :

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.

This job description shall not constitute or be construed as a promise of employment or as a contract between KNOS and any of its employees.

KIPP New Orleans Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer :

At KIPP New Orleans Schools, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, marital status, veteran service, genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. KNOS expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on any of the characteristics listed here. Improper interference with the ability of KNOS employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

KNOS complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the KNOS has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Contact Us :

Please contact our regional Talent Team at talent@kippneworleans.org with any questions.