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Emotional Support Paraprofessional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Paraprofessionals to join our dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting student ... emotional, and academic support. You will collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and ...

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Emotional Support Paraprofessional information

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How much do emotional support paraprofessional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for emotional 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 an emotional support paraprofessional?

Emotional Support Paraprofessionals are educational professionals who assist students with emotional or behavioral challenges in school settings. They work closely with teachers, counselors, and special education staff to provide individualized support, helping students develop coping skills, stay engaged in learning, and manage their emotions or behaviors. Their role may include assisting with classroom activities, implementing behavior intervention plans, and offering one-on-one or small group support. Emotional Support Paraprofessionals play a crucial part in creating a safe, supportive environment that enables students to succeed academically and socially.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an emotional support paraprofessional?

To thrive as an Emotional Support Paraprofessional, you need a background in education or psychology, experience working with children with emotional or behavioral challenges, and often a paraprofessional certification. Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior management systems, and data tracking tools is typically required. Patience, empathy, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting student growth, fostering a safe learning environment, and effectively collaborating with teachers and specialists.

What challenges do emotional support paraprofessionals face when working with students, and how can they address them?

Emotional Support Paraprofessionals often encounter challenges such as managing students' behavioral outbursts, supporting students with varying emotional needs, and maintaining consistent communication with teachers and therapists. To effectively address these challenges, paraprofessionals utilize de-escalation techniques, build strong rapport with students, and collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team to develop and follow individualized support plans. Ongoing professional development and regular feedback from supervisors also help them adapt to students' evolving needs and provide the best support possible.

What is the difference between Emotional Support Paraprofessional vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectEmotional Support ParaprofessionalMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredHigh school diploma; some roles require certification or training
Work EnvironmentResidential facilities, schools, community programsHospitals, mental health clinics, residential treatment centers
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, schools, community agenciesHospitals, mental health facilities, clinics
Job FocusProviding emotional support, companionship, and basic assistanceMonitoring patients, assisting with daily activities, supporting treatment plans

While both roles support individuals with mental health needs, Emotional Support Paraprofessionals primarily offer emotional companionship and basic assistance, often in community or educational settings. Mental Health Technicians typically work in clinical environments, assisting with patient care and treatment. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations.

What cities are hiring for Emotional Support Paraprofessional jobs?

Cities with the most Emotional Support Paraprofessional job openings:

What states have the most Emotional Support Paraprofessional jobs?

States with the most job openings for Emotional Support Paraprofessional jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Emotional Support Paraprofessional job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,266 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Paraprofessional - Donegal School District

Mount Joy, PA • On-site

$17.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Make a difference every day by joining CCRES as a Paraprofessional through our partnership with Donegal School District!

OFFERING PAID CREDENTIALS - Eliminating upfront costs for necessary clearances & TB screening!

SUMMARY:

  • The Special Education Paraprofessional will work on student days following the academic calendar year
  • The Special Education Paraprofessional may support students in one of the following areas: Autistic, Emotional, Instructional, Learning, and Life Skills classrooms
  • 2 days of Paid Time Off

OPENINGS:

  • Donegal Intermediate School - Emotional Support Paraprofessional - $17.50 per hour
    • Schedule: 9:30am - 3:30pm (5.5 paid hours per day on full school day)
  • Donegal Junior High School - Learning Support Paraprofessional - $16.50 per hour
    • Schedule: 9am - 2:30pm (5.5 paid hours per day on full school day)
  • Donegal High School - Learning Support Paraprofessional - $16.50 per hour
    • Schedule: 8:30am - 2:30pm (5.5 paid hours per day on full school day)

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide instructional, behavioral, and/or physical assistance to an individual student or a small group of students - including, but not limited to: on-task prompting, facilitating social skills, and self-care skills
  • Work with students on organizational skills, guide students in activities, monitor student progress
  • Directly support students at the direction of classroom teacher and building Principal

Requirements

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma required. For Title I positions - Must pass for "highly qualified" as mandated by NCLB
  • 2 years post secondary, Associate's Degree or higher - preferred
  • Prior public-school experience and/or working with school-aged children in a licensed, certified, or registered provider setting - preferred

CREDENTIALING :

(Clearances current within 12 months)

  • PA Child Abuse (Act 151) Clearance
  • PA Criminal (Act 34) Clearance
  • PA Department of Education FBI - Use code 1KG6XN
  • TB Screening - current within 3 months
  • Education Documentation - Diploma OR Official Transcripts

* CCRES paid clearances & TB screening!

Benefits

  • Employer paid: Base medical plan for employee, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employees scheduled for 30+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits
  • Employees scheduled for 20+ hours per week are eligible for dental, vision, and other supplemental benefits:  Life insurance, short-term disability, accidental, critical illness, hospital indemnity, Norton Life Lock identity protection 
  • CCRES 403 (b) Retirement Savings Plan - 3% matching contribution
  • Tuition discounts through collegiate partnerships
  • Milestone service award
  • Gift card raffle on pay-day Fridays
  • Paid credential renewals
  • Paid trainings


ABOUT CCRES:

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services is an organization of dedicated and highly-trained staff members who provide quality services to schools, children, adults, and families. We work collaboratively with school districts, intermediate units, and the behavioral health system.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of CCRES is to ensure quality educational and human service programs for children, families, and schools. Through innovative partnerships, we provide human resources and grant opportunities.

APPLY TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION!

CCRES is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

(Posted 9/9/26, TY)