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Position Summary The Home and Community-Based Mental Health Paraprofessional provides direct support services to children, adolescents, and/or adults with mental health, behavioral health, or co ...

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Position Summary The Home and Community-Based Mental Health Paraprofessional provides direct support services to children, adolescents, and/or adults with mental health, behavioral health, or co ...

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Direct Support Paraprofessional information

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$16

$24

How much do direct support paraprofessional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support paraprofessional in the United States is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support paraprofessional?

Direct Support Paraprofessionals are individuals who assist people with disabilities or special needs in their daily activities, helping them achieve greater independence and integration within their communities. They may assist with personal care, social skills, educational activities, and community involvement, working under the supervision of professionals such as teachers or healthcare providers. Their role is crucial in supporting clients’ well-being and promoting their participation in everyday life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support paraprofessional, and why are they important?

Direct Support Paraprofessionals need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and often specialized training in supporting individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with care documentation systems, assistive technologies, and CPR/First Aid certification is commonly required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for building trust and effectively assisting clients. These competencies ensure clients receive safe, respectful, and individualized care, fostering their independence and well-being.

What are some common challenges direct support paraprofessionals face when supporting individuals with diverse needs?

Direct Support Paraprofessionals often encounter challenges such as adapting communication styles to meet individual needs, managing behavioral issues, and balancing the demands of providing both emotional and practical assistance. It can also be challenging to support clients in achieving independence while ensuring their safety and well-being. However, ongoing training and strong collaboration with other support staff and healthcare professionals help address these challenges and foster a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Direct Support Paraprofessional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support ParaprofessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; optional certifications in caregivingHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists individuals with disabilities in community, residential, or educational settingsProvides personal care in clients' homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, schools, healthcare agencies, government programsHome healthcare agencies, private clients, healthcare facilities

Both roles involve providing support and care, but Direct Support Paraprofessionals typically work in educational or community settings assisting individuals with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal and health-related care in private homes or healthcare environments. The roles overlap in caregiving skills and certifications but differ in work settings and specific responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Direct Support Paraprofessional jobs?

Cities with the most Direct Support Paraprofessional job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Paraprofessional jobs?

For Direct Support Paraprofessional jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Media Support Paraprofessional

Fergus Falls, MN

Minnesota Service Cooperatives
Public AdministrationΒ β€’Β 201 - 500 employees

$14.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist students and staff with access to library resources, instructional materials, educational technology, and learning spaces.

  • Support the daily operation of the media center, including circulation, shelving, organizing, and maintaining books and materials.

  • Help licensed staff prepare and distribute instructional materials and support literacy initiatives and media center events.


Job description

Position Purpose

The High School Media Center Paraprofessional supports student learning and the daily operation of the media center by assisting students and staff with access to library resources, instructional materials, educational technology, and learning spaces. Working under the direction of licensed staff, this position helps students develop research skills, information literacy, responsible technology use, and independent learning habits while maintaining an organized, welcoming, and student-centered environment.

The primary focus of this position is direct support of students and instructional programs within the media center. The position serves as an educational support role and does not perform department-level administrative support functions, payroll processing, personnel administration, budget management, purchasing authority, or confidential clerical duties.

Location: Two Rivers High School

Hours: 6.25 hours a day

Payrate: $17.40-$19.16

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Learning Support

  • Provide direct support to students utilizing the media center during instructional periods, study halls, and independent learning times.
  • Assist students in locating books, digital resources, databases, and research materials.
  • Support students in developing information literacy, research, and digital citizenship skills under the direction of licensed staff.
  • Assist students with accessing and utilizing district-approved educational technology and online learning resources.
  • Reinforce media center expectations, responsible technology use, and district behavior standards.
  • Monitor student activity within the media center and maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment.
  • Promote student engagement in reading, literacy activities, and independent learning opportunities.

Media Center Operations

  • Assist with the daily operation of the media center, including circulation of books, materials, devices, and equipment.
  • Check library materials and resources in and out using the district's library management system.
  • Assist with shelving, organizing, labeling, repairing, and maintaining books and instructional materials.
  • Support collection maintenance activities, including inventory, resource organization, and weeding projects.
  • Assist with maintaining circulation records and resource tracking within established procedures.
  • Prepare and maintain media center displays, bulletin boards, and promotional materials
  • Coordinate the checkout, return, and organization of devices, calculators, hotspots, audiovisual equipment, and other instructional resources.

Instructional and Staff Support

  • Assist licensed staff in preparing, organizing, and distributing instructional materials for student use.
  • Support classroom and media center literacy initiatives, reading programs, research activities, and special projects.
  • Assist staff in locating instructional materials, educational resources, and media center collections.
  • Support media center events, book fairs, student activities, and other learning opportunities.

General Responsibilities

  • Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information in accordance with district policies, state law, and federal law.
  • Follow district policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
  • Participate in training, professional development, and meetings as assigned.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, staff, families, and community members.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal or Media Specialist.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of media center, library, and educational support practices.
  • Ability to work effectively with high school students in a learning environment.
  • Knowledge of basic educational technology and digital learning resources.
  • Ability to assist students with research, technology use, and resource access.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and organize instructional materials.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while following direction from licensed staff.
  • Ability to maintain a positive, professional, student-centered approach when interacting with students and staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience working with students, youth, or in an educational setting.
  • Basic computer and technology proficiency.
  • Ability to successfully work with diverse student populations.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the media center.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move books, materials, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to operate computers, printers, audiovisual equipment, and other instructional technology.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily within a high school media center environment with frequent interaction with students and staff. The position requires the ability to supervise students, support learning activities, assist with educational technology, and maintain an organized and welcoming environment that promotes student success.




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About Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC) is a distinguished organization based in Saint Paul, MN, US, committed to serving the public sector across the state. Operating on the larger sphere of public sector services, MSC's core operations revolve around administering cooperative procurement, education, health, and risk management services for its members. Carrying a remarkable heritage originating from a statutory establishment in 1976, they are divided into seven geographical areas to distinctively serve cities, counties, schools and non-profit entities.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US