Job Description:

Location: Mandan Public School District

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Mandan Public Schools is currently seeking to hire a Student Support Specialist to support students with visual impairments and students who are deaf or hard of hearing for the 2025–2026 school year. This is a fulltime position that follows the school calendar. Full benefit package is included for employees working 30 or more hours/week. 

Position Summary:
Under the direction of a certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and/or a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Itinerant Paraprofessional provides individualized support to help students access educational materials and participate fully in school activities. This includes adapting instructional content, supporting the use of assistive technologies, and facilitating student independence and inclusion in a variety of classroom and school environments.

Essential Functions:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. 

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assist students with special needs in classroom and individual activities

Provide instructional support to small groups or individuals

Help implement IEP goals under teacher supervision

Adapt classroom materials for accessibility, including using assistive technology

Support the student in navigating physical environments and daily transitions

Monitor student behavior and document observations

Maintain student confidentiality and follow all FERPA guidelines

Work collaboratively with teachers, specialists, and staff

Supervise students in classrooms, lunchrooms, playgrounds, and other settings

Follow all district policies and safety regulations

Assist students with visual impairments by:

Reading aloud inaccessible text

Scribing for the student

Explaining visual aids and pictures

Guiding students to classes

Helping acquire accessible materials

Maintaining and organizing braille and large print materials

Assist students who are deaf or hard of hearing by:

Clarifying teacher instructions

Ensuring students’ understanding of spoken and visual content

Supporting communication access in group discussions

Coordinating with interpreters or notifying teachers when necessary

Supervising group activities to support inclusion

Providing one on one support tailored to communication needs

Reports To:
Special Education Director

Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED

Knowledge of:
Special education support techniques and sensory impairment accommodations

Classroom and student supervision practices

Instructional strategies and assistive technologies for diverse learners

Safety protocols and confidentiality regulations

Skill in:
Supporting students with diverse learning and communication needs

Modifying materials for accessibility (e.g., braille, large print, captioned media)

Using patience, empathy, and tact in student interactions

Communicating clearly with staff and students

Collaborating with teachers and support professionals

Following directions, maintaining documentation, and managing time effectively

License and Certification Requirements:
A valid North Dakota State Driver’s License may be required. Paraprofessional certification from North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is required for Title 1 Schools. Additional training and certifications may be required for some incumbents.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in a variety of school settings. May require mobility assistance, lifting, or guiding students with physical needs. May involve occasional physical restraint in safety related situations. Must be able to travel between schools as needed.

Application Procedures
Please attach a resume to your electronic application. All application material must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date. Application form and resume should demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are needed to meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Applications should include information which directly addresses how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and summary of work. It is very important to be thorough and detailed on all your application materials.

Employment requires satisfactory completion of the interview process and a verifiable record of satisfactory performance in previous employment.

A state and federal background check will be conducted on the final candidate.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements
High School/Trade School degree preferred.
Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Salary: $21.02 - $23.82 per hour (salary based on school year 2024-2025 Mandan Public School District rates; school year 2025-2026 rates are yet to be determined).

Contact Information
Julie Ketterling, Special Education Director
BRAVE CENTER
Phone: 701-751-6500
Email: Julie.Ketterling@msd1.org