Job Description

Special Education Paraeducators - (Behavior Intervention)

Dakota Middle School

The Mankato School District has a full-time position available for a Special Education Paraeducator (Behavior Intervention) at Dakota Meadows beginning as soon as possible.

School hours are 8:35 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Summary of Duties:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Intervention Paraeducator provides intensive behavioral, emotional, and instructional support to special education students. Students in these programs may require additional support with emotional regulation, coping skills, social interactions, communication, transitions, following routines, and safely participating in the school environment.

This may include providing one-to-one or small-group instruction, reinforcing positive behaviors and coping strategies, supporting students during periods of dysregulation, assisting with de-escalation and re-engagement, and helping students develop the skills necessary to participate as independently and successfully as possible in their educational environment.

The goal of the Behavior Support Classroom (BSC) is not simply to respond to challenging behavior, but to understand student needs, teach appropriate replacement skills, promote regulation and independence, and help students experience success at school.

Primary Responsibilities

Includes all Resource-Level responsibilities, plus:

• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans.
• Utilize evidence-based intervention and de-escalation strategies.
• Support students during transitions throughout the school day.
• Reinforce self-regulation, coping, and replacement skills.
• Monitor behavior and maintain required documentation.
• Support community-based instruction and transition programming.
• Assist during crisis situations using approved district procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support student success.
• Participate in specialized behavioral intervention training.

Ideal Candidates

• Experience working with students with behavioral needs preferred.
• Calm, patient, and solution-focused.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments.
• Willingness to complete specialized behavioral training.

Requirements:

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify for this position:

• Highly Qualified:
• 60-semester credits (or two years full-time at an institute of higher education)
• or an Associate's degree (AA, AS, AAS)
• or must pass the Paraeducator assessment before the first day of employment

Pre-Employment Requirements

All final candidates must successfully complete the following prior to employment:

• Physical Screening: Must pass a job-related physical screening.
• Background Check: Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check.

Pay:

Starting at $18.50 - up to $19.72 per hour (Based on experience in a public school setting).

Eligible Employee Benefits include: Effective on Day 1 for employees working 30+ hours per week.

• Public Employer's Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement Pension
• 403(b) Retirement Matching Program
• Medical Coverage
• Fully Paid Life Insurance
• Fully Paid Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Paid Sick Leave, Personal Leave
• Emergency Leave and Holidays
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Application Deadline:

October 17, 2026, or until filled.

To apply for this position go to www.isd77.org and click on "View our open positions". PLEASE UPLOAD THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION TO YOUR APPLICATION:

• Resume
• College transcripts or Previous Paraeducator Assessment/Para Pro certification

This position will be filled on the basis of experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant and the needs of the District. District 77 complies with state and federal fair employment regulations.

For further information, call Student Support Services at 507-387-1818.