Entry Level Behavioral Science Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Position Type:
Support Staff/Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional
Date Posted:
6/3/2026
Location:
Shawnee Middle School
Job Description
SHAWNEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Job Title: Teacher's Assistant / Acts as Full-time Substitute
Reports To: Teacher
Site: Shawnee Middle School
Qualifications:
Credentials: None
Education: Associate Degree or 48 hours college credit or pass the Oklahoma General Education Test or pass the WorkKeys Test
Training or Experience Required: Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, and or clerical experience preferred.
Job Summary: Performs entry level to semi-skilled level duties under general supervision to assist the teacher to provide an environment to improve and develop the student's social, communication, and intellectual skills. An incumbent in this position will follow generally standardized operating policies and procedures. On occasion will have to interpret policies and procedures and follow predetermined solutions established by higher level supervision or operating procedures.
Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Abilities:

• Communication Skills (oral, written, or business): Basic communication skills to exchange information, give/receive simple instructions and respond to inquiries. Includes filling out forms. Some interpersonal interaction or communication is required outside of the specific classroom environment with other staff and parents.
• Data Recording/Record Keeping: Performs non-complex data recording/record keeping operations requiring logging, filing or posting single entry items either manually or by computer.
• Mathematical Skills: Performs routine computations requiring knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using whole numbers, fractions, decimals and/or percentages.
• Reads and interprets routine written or printed materials such as charts, diagrams, maps or
• instruction material.
• Business Machines (like computers, copiers, etc.): Uses business machines that can be easily learned from non-complex manuals or verbal instructions. Such machines include but are not limited to photocopiers, laminators, duplicator, CRT/computers (no software experience). May on occasion use more difficult machines without any proficiency required, such as data entry.
• Office Filing and Retrieving: Responsible for filing and retrieving from an existing filing system.

Essential Job Functions (PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES):

1. Assists with instruction and activities for individuals or for groups as assigned by teacher. Supervises students in instructional settings, off-campus activities and during noninstructional such as recess, Assemblies, emergency drills, lunch periods, etc. On occasion may supervise the class in teacher's absence.
2. Prepares, creates, and/or adapts instructional materials as directed by teacher. Prepares bulletin boards and other teaching aids. Assists students with assignments. Sets up and operates equipment for instructional purposes.
3. Serves as chief source of information and assistance for substitute teachers.
4. Assists teacher with student behavior management strategies. Restrains out of control students when necessary. Alerts teacher to special needs of students.
5. Grades student work; records grades; takes attendance; completes necessary paperwork and other records for students.
6. May assist students with personal care needs. May assist with minor first aid.
7. Performs housekeeping duties with classroom to ensure it is neat and clean. May assist students in boarding and getting off bus.
8. Operates photocopier, laminator, and duplicator. May operate computer. Assists teacher in obtaining supplies necessary for scheduled activities: i.e. paints, brushes, construction paper, science supplies, etc. Assists teacher with compiling student's work to send home weekly in folders. Sends home letters to parents as required.
9. May assist with playground, ballroom, cafeteria duties as needed.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Performance Measures:

• Successful performance of the job requires good customer service/people skills to resolve problems and provide information as requested.
• Requires following safety guidelines and policies, inclusive of the District Exposure Control Plan for Bloodbome Pathogens, to reduce accident or injury to self or to students.
• Requires following school dress standards, proper attendance or leave policies, and other work-habits concerns.
• Creativity, initiative and effective problem solving are important to the success of the position.
• Must maintain a positive attitude and be cooperative toward other staff members, the public, and students within the educational system.

Supervision exercised: Employee does not supervise other employees.
Complies with Shawnee's Mission Statement in which students are to be provided with skills, knowledge and attitudes to become lifelong learners, complex thinkers, and responsible citizens in an ever-changing global society.
Physical/Mental Requirements and Working Conditions:
This job requires frequent bending/stooping and occasional to frequent squatting/crouching, reaching above the shoulder, and pushing and pulling. There is occasional lifting up to 45 pounds to assist the lifting of chairs, classroom equipment and supplies. The incumbent must have the dexterity to operate keyboards, computers, copy machines, and other office/instructional machines. Must be able to supervise students in the classroom and outside. Must be able to communicate with student and parents. Must be able to get around the classroom, media center, cafeteria, campus, etc. Must be able to assist students with normal activities.
Terms of Employment:
Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District. (180 day contract)
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Shawnee Board Policy on evaluation of personnel.
FLSA: Non-exempt
Revised: March 2, 2020