Paraprofessional

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is seeking a dynamic, mission-aligned Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities in accessing rigorous, inclusive instruction and demonstrating meaningful academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.

Paraprofessionals are essential members of the instructional and student support team. They provide reinforcement of instruction, behavioral and ABA aligned support, and progress monitoring through push-in, small-group, and individualized assistance aligned to students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and behavior plans.

This role advances the GOLCS mission of preparing all students for success in college, career, and community by ensuring students with exceptional needs receive consistent, structured support in the least restrictive environment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & EVALUATION 

Paraprofessionals report to the Associate Director of Student Support Services, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, or School Social Worker

• Work under the direct supervision of certified teachers and licensed professionals
• Receive coaching and collaboration from Special Educators, BCBAs, Social Workers, and ADSS
• Participate in ongoing observation, feedback, and professional development

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Academic Instructional Reinforcement

• Provide push-in, small-group, and individualized support to reinforce previously taught academic content.
• Assist with preteaching and reteaching of foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other content areas as directed by certified staff.
• Support implementation of IEP accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies.
• Reinforce learning through guided practice, review activities, and structured tutoring designed by the teacher.
• Promote student independence, organization, and engagement in classroom learning.

Behavioral, Social-Emotional, and ABA Support

• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and classroom behavior systems with fidelity.
• Provide positive reinforcement, redirection, prompting, and de-escalation support.
• Support Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programming as trained and directed by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), including implementation of behavior protocols, reinforcement systems, and skill-building strategies.
• Assist with data collection for ABA targets, replacement behaviors, and progress toward behavioral goals.
• Support students with Emotional Regulation Impairments, autism, and other behavioral needs in maintaining safe and productive participation.
• Facilitate appropriate peer interactions and social-skills development across settings.

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring

• Collect and record academic, behavioral, and ABA-related data aligned to IEP goals, BIPs, and intervention plans.
• Maintain daily tracking sheets, logs, and required documentation for progress monitoring.
• Share data with teachers, BCBAs, and support staff to inform instructional and behavioral decision-making.
• Assist with preparation of materials and documentation for IEP meetings and reporting as requested.

Classroom and School Environment Support

• Assist with classroom routines, transitions, and management to maximize instructional time.
• Provide one-to-one or shared paraprofessional support as outlined in student IEPs.
• Support supervision in hallways, lunch, recess, specials, and other school settings when assigned.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students.
• Provide assistance with personal care or health-related needs when required and appropriately supervised.
  
  

Professional Collaboration and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers, CST members, BCBAs, and related service providers to support student success.
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and coaching cycles.
• Implement feedback from teachers, ADSS leaders, and specialists.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all student interactions and records.
• Demonstrate commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 48 college credits, Associate’s Degree, or higher from an accredited institution
• Passing score on the Paraprofessional (ParaPro) Exam or equivalent state-approved assessment
• Demonstrated belief that all students can achieve at high levels
• Strong reliability, organization, and collaboration skills
• Commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion

Preferred

• Coursework or training in education, psychology, behavior analysis, or related field
• Training or coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential
• Experience working with students with disabilities or behavioral needs, including Emotional Regulation Impairments
• Experience with academic or behavioral data tracking
• Prior experience in an urban school or charter school setting
• Progress toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, as a BCBA, or related field.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School offers a competitive and equitable compensation package that increases based on years of relevant experience, with a minimum base salary of $36,000.00, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans w/ comprehensive network coverage.
• Up to $5,250 per year in tax exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
• Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to your role.
• Wellness reimbursements including gym memberships, spa services, and more.
• Online counseling services - for staff and their dependents - via top-rated therapy app.
• Pre-tax state pension plan benefit w/ addl. options available via voluntary retirement plans.
• Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans available.

ABOUT GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL

The Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative charter public school in Newark NJ, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade on campuses across the city of Newark. Our mission is to prepare Newark’s students for success in college and beyond.

Our model is based on the following guiding principles that guide our work daily –

1. Creating a community that is built upon genuine and meaningful relationships. GOLCS staff rate our commitment to students as the #1 reason they teach/work at our schools.
2. Being surgical in our approach to differentiation of instruction and support for all students and team members. Our students receive daily tutoring embedded into their school schedule - facilitated by our AmeriCorps team members. Staff members receive individualized coaching and support in their roles.
3. Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development for all students, in preparation for success in college and beyond. Currently, the historical college matriculation rate for GOLCS is 79% - nearly twice the national average for economically underrepresented students.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY

GOLCS is committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Furthermore, we believe that racial justice and equity is critical to our mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. We strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and elevates our student voices in preparing them for life and college.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Great Oaks Legacy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.