The Organization

In Fall 2022, Thrive with Autism opened its first groundbreaking public school with the goal of dramatically improving education for children on the autism spectrum. Thrive Center for Success is the first charter school in the state of Texas dedicated to serving a special-needs population.  Founded in 2019, Thrive with Autism’s mission and vision have brought hope to families who desperately want better educational options for their children on the autism spectrum.  This fall Thrive will serve 132 students Kindergarten through 6^th grade, adding a grade level each year to eventually serve up to 12th grade. Thrive plans to open a second campus in central Houston soon.

Role

Thrive seeks energetic, positive individuals who love children and have a passion and drive to improve the instructional quality of our school. The Special Education Paraprofessional will support our instructional practices to the benefit of all our students by creating a welcoming environment for faculty and students within the classroom setting.  Thrive utilizes the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) model of instruction, and all paraprofessionals are expected to familiarize themselves with this framework in order to support students and staff in the classroom. For more on CABAS, visit cabasschools.org. The paraprofessional will report directly to the Principal but will also work closely with and take direction from their classroom Special Education Teacher, the BCBA team, and other mentor teachers.  

Responsibilities

● Learn and implement daily classroom routines, resources, and practices.

● Supervise and support students during PE, recess, carpool, and lunch as assigned.  

● Learn, internalize and implement principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in classroom model and student support practices.

● Support implementation of classroom lesson plans that conform to the adopted curriculum and that factor each student's unique learning circumstances, as appropriate and necessary.

● At the classroom teacher’s direction, support assessments of student progress.

● Continue to develop knowledge and skills by attending professional development opportunities and applying training to classroom settings.

● Address student behavior as appropriate and necessary and maintain a proper classroom

management style conducive to student learning.

● Collaborate with other staff to implement each student's individualized education program.

● Ensure ongoing and timely communication with teachers about student needs.

● Observe student behavior and learning and leverage student interests and learning abilities to work towards mastery of adopted curriculum and classroom lessons.

● At the classroom teacher’s direction, implement instructional activities as assigned that contribute to student engagement and academic growth.

● At the classroom teacher’s direction, implement instructional resources provided to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds and learning needs.

● Consistently uphold professional obligations through efficient work habits such as establishing meeting schedules, continuously communicating in a positive and proactive

honoring deadlines.

● Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

·       Able to lift 50 pounds, run 100 yards, drop/lift to one knee, go up/downstairs, and pass all verbal/physical competencies to be a fully certified Safety Care Specialist

·       Desierto grow and advance professionally with the school

Highly Preferred:

·       Bachelor's degree in related field

·       Fluency in Spanish or American Sign Language

·       At least 1 year of school-based professional experience

·      Experience working with children with autism and/or Applied Behavior Analysis

Thrive’s Commitment to Diversity

Thrive with Autism is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Thrive with Autism is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for paraprofessional positions begins at $22,000 and increases based on years of relevant experience, earned degrees, and current certifications. Thrive pays a $3000 stipend for candidates who are bilingual in Spanish or American Sign Language.  Thrive intends to increase paraprofessional base pay for the 23-24 school year, pending board approval.

Thrive offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental benefits, and time off via school holidays, summer break, and PTO. Thrive is a participant in the Teacher’s Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

To Apply: Visit www.thrivesuccess.org/jobs