Special Education Paraprofessional – Project SEARCH Sanford 2025-2026

 
POSITION AVAILABLE:   Special Education Paraprofessional
                                                                                                                                      
POSITION LOCATION:  Southwest West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC), with placement at Project SEARCH Sanford in Worthington, MN.
 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  The Special Education Paraprofessional provides assistance to children, teachers &/or mental health professional/practitioner in providing an appropriate, safe learning environment to students enrolled in special educational programs. Duties also include Internship Coaching and Transition Skills Coaching.  Some students may have challenging behaviors.  Riding transportation van may also be included in responsibilities.
 
QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Proof of Personal Care Assistant (PCA) certification; new paraprofessional must be certified within two weeks of hire date;
• Successfully obtain CPI certification through training provided by SWWC;
• Passing score (80% or better) on SWWC Level 1 skills assessment; passing score must be obtained by the end of the introductory period to continue employment;
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Criminal background check will be conducted on successful applicant.

                                                                                         
SALARY:  Position to begin July 2025.  Paraprofessionals start at $19.50/hour and up, depending upon education, qualifications and experience; includes benefits.  May include up to 5 additional training days during the 2024-25 school year.
 
APPLICATION MATERIALS:  Complete online application at www.swwc.org/application and include cover letter, application form, copies of licenses (if applicable), college transcripts, resume, and two letters of reference. 
 
QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLICATION/REQUEST COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION/REQUEST AN ACCOMMODATION: Contact Kari Bailey at 507-828-6473 or kari.bailey@swwc.org
 
QUESTIONS ABOUT POSITION:  Contact Laura Jenson at 507-616-0473 or laura.jenson@swwc.org   
 
DUE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  Position will remain open until filled.
 
WHAT IS THE SWWC?  The Southwest West Central Service Cooperative is a regional service agency committed to advancing the work of our members (schools, cities, counties, and other governmental agencies).  With a focus on service, integrity, sincerity and collaboration, we are committed to building relationships with our members to ensure we are a collaborative partner providing exceptional services, innovative solutions and proactive support. Our vision is to create a future where children, families schools and communities learn, succeed and thrive. Authorized by MN Statute as a regional resource for our members; we are a public agency that provides a comprehensive range of educational and administrative programs and services to our members.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  It is the policy of the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC) to provide equal employment opportunity for all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation or age.
 
DIVERSITY STATEMENT:   SWWC’s mission is to support and enhance the work of our members by providing programs and services to meet their needs.  To support and enhance all of our members, we need to embrace and celebrate all of our members.  SWWC works to identify unique frameworks within the various communities we serve and actively responds by adjusting our practices to meet the ever changing needs.  We strive to recruit diverse and inclusive teams that will have a positive impact on our programs and services and help us better serve our members, customers and employees.