Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District
📍 Yucaipa, California

Job Title: Paraprofessional – Special Education II

Supervisor: Principal (or designee)
Salary Range: Classified Salary Schedule, Range 15
Work Year: Varies by Assignment

Position Overview

The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District is seeking a caring, patient, and dedicated Paraprofessional – Special Education II to join our team. This position supports students with moderate-to-severe disabilities in achieving their educational and personal goals. Working under the supervision of a certificated teacher, the Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and physical support to help each student reach their full potential.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with special needs, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support under the direction of a certificated teacher in a special education setting.
• Assist with the physical care needs of students, including lifting, transferring, and positioning students who may use wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment.
• Support students during mealtime, including feeding students and helping them develop skills related to eating, swallowing, chewing, and using utensils.
• Assist students in developing personal hygiene habits, toileting skills, and other self-care routines.
• Help implement behavior management and positive reinforcement strategies.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials, teaching aids, and equipment.
• Collaborate with teachers to identify student needs and implement instructional modifications.
• Administer first aid and prescription medications as directed and in accordance with students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 health plans.
• Provide specialized health-related assistance, such as gastric tube feeding or diapering, when appropriately trained and authorized.
• Supervise students in classrooms, playgrounds, community outings, transportation, and vocational training sites to ensure safety and engagement.
• Support students in developing life skills, social skills, and vocational readiness.
• Participate in student progress evaluations and parent-teacher meetings when requested.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and professional development sessions as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Personal hygiene practices for students with disabilities.
• Safe and sanitary procedures in a classroom and care environment.
• Behavior management strategies for students with disabilities.
• Basic instructional methods and classroom support techniques.
• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.
• Basic first aid and CPR practices.

Ability to:

• Work patiently and compassionately with students who have moderate-to-severe disabilities.
• Assist students with feeding, toileting, grooming, and other physical care activities.
• Adapt instructional strategies to meet individual learning needs.
• Manage challenging behaviors calmly and effectively.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and sensitive information.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with students, staff, and parents.
• Work collaboratively and maintain positive relationships with school personnel.
• Follow written and oral directions accurately.
• Stand, sit, or move for extended periods and lift students or materials as needed.
• Operate a computer, send and receive emails, and perform basic clerical tasks.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
• Maintain punctual and consistent attendance.

Employment Standards

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College coursework in child development, special education, or a related field is desirable.

Experience:

• Prior experience (paid or volunteer) working with children of various ages in a learning environment required.

Licenses & Certifications:

• TB test clearance.
• Pre-employment physical and drug screening.
• Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification upon hire and maintained throughout employment.

Join Our Team!

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of students with special needs. If you are compassionate, dependable, and dedicated to supporting inclusive education, we encourage you to apply and become part of the YCJUSD family.