POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
March 10, 2026

 
POSITION:  ESP Paraprofessional        
 
LOCATION:  Various Locations
 
JOB SUMMARY:
 
The Dougherty County School System is seeking a compassionate and student-centered ESP Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities in achieving academic, behavioral, and social success. Under the direction of a certified ESP teacher, the ESP Paraprofessional assists with implementing individualized instructional strategies, supporting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. This position plays a critical role in helping students access the curriculum, build independence, and develop essential life and academic skills.
 
QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Sixty (60) semester hours of college credit required; Associate's degree preferred;
2. Experience working with students with disabilities or in special education settings preferred;
3. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive student information;
4. Ability to follow instructional and behavioral support plans;
5. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and Board of Education may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to build positive and supportive relationships with students with diverse learning and behavioral needs;
2. Knowledge of or ability to support Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, and modifications;
3. Ability to assist with differentiated instruction and reinforce academic and behavioral strategies;
4. Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families;
5. Ability to support students in developing social, behavioral, and life skills;
6. Ability to use instructional technology and assistive technology to support student learning;
7. Ability to remain patient, flexible, and responsive when working with students with varying needs;
8. Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling student information.

 
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Assists the special education teacher in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and instructional plans;
2. Provides one-on-one or small group instructional support to students with disabilities to reinforce learning objectives;
3. Assists students with academic tasks, classroom participation, and skill development as directed by the teacher;
4. Supports students in developing independence, communication, social skills, and appropriate behavior;
5. Assists in implementing behavior intervention strategies and supports positive behavior management;
6. Provides assistance with accommodations and modifications required to support student learning;
7. Assists with preparing instructional materials, organizing learning resources, and maintaining classroom organization;
8. Supports student supervision during classroom instruction, transitions, and school activities;
9. May assist students with personal care needs, mobility, or other physical supports as required by the student's individualized plan;
10. Collaborates with teachers, therapists, and support staff to ensure students receive appropriate services and supports;
11. Participates in professional learning opportunities related to special education practices and student support strategies;
12. Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance and performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee;
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

  WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to lift and carry instructional materials or assist students when necessary (typically up to 25 pounds);
2. Ability to assist students with mobility, positioning, or physical support as required;
3. Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, or move throughout the classroom and school environment for extended periods;
4. Ability to actively supervise and support students during instructional activities and transitions;
5. Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations, including assisting students during drills or evacuations;
6. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REPORTS TO: Principal
 
SALARY RANGE:   Competitive salary and excellent benefits package in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide.
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE:   Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by March 17, 2026 

 

INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.
  THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY
 
The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.
The Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

 
About Us
 
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), four learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognisa. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
 Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.
 
Important Note

This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.