The mission of Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas is to provide students with a safe, positive trauma-centered academic environment that will nurture their love for learning and confidence in life.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Hope Academy is a unique elementary charter school that is centered around the academic, social, and behavioral needs of children who have had adverse childhood experiences. Our approach provides ample opportunities for children and families to heal while engaged in our research-driven academic process. At Hope Academy, we believe every child can thrive regardless of trauma-induced behaviors, social skill deficits, or academic struggles. Our model features rigorous grade-level academic content provided in small class sizes with very low student to teacher ratios, extensive behavioral and emotional supports, and a staff fully trained to meet the needs of students whose experiences may impact their ability to be successful in a traditional school setting.

THE POSITION:
Reporting to the Behavior Team and Paraprofessional Coordinator, the Paraprofessional is responsible for providing classroom support for trauma-informed curriculum activities in a manner that promotes the educational development of each student.

Paraprofessionals work 188 days during the school year, with summers, holidays, and spring break off. They're are paid 26k in 12 monthly installments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists the teacher with classroom management needs.
• Assists in supervision of students during periods of transition during the school day.
• Assists with behavior management programs and techniques.
• Understands and assists in meeting the special needs of children.
• Supports an atmosphere for students that operationalizes our mission.
• Maintain an orderly and safe classroom environment.
• Support an environment that considers all aspects of wellness: nutrition, health, safety, decisions and choices, mental, as well as physical well-being.  
• Sustain relationships that result in active student engagement in the learning process.
• Attend required staff and district meetings.
• Complete and participate in required building and district professional development activities.

Education, Training and Experience:  

• High School Diploma or GED.
• A minimum of 60 college hours, or pass Praxis paraprofessional exam (minimal 457).
• Physical ability to use authorized techniques for management of aggressive behaviors.
• Prior experience implementing Conscious Discipline and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) a plus.
• Flexible and adaptive style; an individual who can positively serve the varying needs of children who have been traumatized.

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands:

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Physical stamina and agility required to care for active children.
• As required, provide supervision for lunch duty, recesses, and field trips, etc.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screens as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Attend and participate in mandatory training, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.
• Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner per Hope Academy procedures.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Hope Academy reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs. Hope Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.