Special Education Paraprofessional

About the role

Green Tree School & Services in Philadelphia provides full-time, out-of-district programs for students with autism and emotional support needs. With integrated clinical, behavioral, and academic services, Green Tree School & Services empowers students to achieve independence while upholding values of safety, inclusion, and excellence. Explore how you can help transform lives and impact communities.

If you are looking for an easy school job, this is not it. If you are looking for meaningful classroom work where patience, structure, and academic support can change a student’s day, this role may be the right fit.

As a Special Education Paraprofessional, you will support students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs in a structured classroom environment. You will help students build academic skills, practice positive behaviors, work toward IEP goals, and stay engaged in learning, even when the day becomes challenging.

The right person for this role understands that progress may be slow, behavior may be challenging, and consistency matters every single day. You will not simply supervise students. You will support instruction, reinforce IEP goals, help manage behavior, and partner with teachers, therapists, and behavior staff to create a safe classroom where students can learn.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• At least 12 months of continuous classroom experience in early intervention, special education, or a related instructional setting
• Experience supporting students with special needs, emotional needs, or behavioral challenges
• Classroom-based experience as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, teacher’s assistant, or similar educational support role
• Commitment to education, literacy, math skill development, writing skill development, and academic intervention
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and composed in high-stress situations, including crisis moments and explosive behaviors

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent
• At least 24 months of certified paraprofessional experience

What You’ll Do

• Keep students engaged in learning by supporting lessons, small-group instruction, and daily classroom routines
• Reinforce academic skills through guided practice, repetition, encouragement, and individualized support
• Help students work toward IEP goals under teacher supervision
• Collect instructional and behavioral data to track student progress
• Use approved behavior support strategies to help students regulate emotions and return to learning
• Support students during transitions, lunch, recess, and school activities with calm, consistent supervision
• Help maintain a classroom that is safe, structured, inclusive, and focused on growth
• Communicate with teachers, therapists, and behavior staff to ensure students receive consistent support throughout the day
• Model patience, professionalism, and emotional steadiness, especially when students are struggling