Special Education Paraeducator Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Special education paraeducators can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the role requires a bachelor's degree in special education, education, or related field. Many school districts sponsor H-1B visas for specialized positions, though requirements vary by state licensing standards and specific job duties. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Fayette County Public Schools, KY
JOB DESCRIPTION
– Special Education Paraeducator
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description.
Job Class Code: 8325
Position Type: Hourly
Job Type: Classified
Pay Grade: G 03 (salary calculations are based on verified education and related experience levels)
Reports To: Principal or designee
Supervises: N/A
Work Calendar Name: Paraeducators
Days in work calendar: 183
JOB SUMMARY
Assist certified teachers in implementing instructional practices, transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and communicating and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure special education students obtain quality instruction.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Implement strategies and procedures developed by teachers to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
- Implement strategies that promote the student’s independence across all relevant educational settings.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers and related service professionals in carrying out tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering (including lifting), administering medication, feeding, positioning and other health related procedures required by students who have special health care needs, and maintain appropriate records of these activities.
- Keep student data current and report concerns to teacher when they arise.
- Under the guidance and supervision of a teacher, effectively implement learning strategies, prompting procedures, and other systematic instructional procedures in school and non-school settings using a variety of instructional grouping arrangements.
- Implement teacher-developed plans or strategies that enhance the fluency, maintenance, and generalization of academic skills.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers with community-based instruction.
- Use grammatically correct language which includes age-appropriate vocabulary, first person language, appropriate tone of voice, and reinforcement procedures.
- Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional classroom materials; setting up student work areas; and operating office equipment, video, computer, adaptive devices, and other materials. Maintain classroom records, maintain attendance records, answer phone.
- Assist teachers in monitoring student progress regarding academic/cognitive development, social development, and behavior.
- Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining student records required by federal and state law and regulations and Fayette County Public Schools’ Policies and Procedures.
- Implement teacher-developed behavior plans and techniques that adhere to the laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards (safe crisis management) concerning the management of student behaviors. Includes lifting up to 50 pounds and/or restraining students if necessary. Record data and monitor progress on behavior goals as directed by teacher.
- Monitor and assist students in non-academic learning environments (i.e., lunchrooms, study halls, playgrounds, and buses).
- Direct group activities of students as assigned, assist in lunchroom duties as assigned, assist in emergency drills, rec-leisure activities, assemblies, community participation as assigned.
- Assist in overseeing students while in regular class, labs or other activities, providing them with the necessary materials needed to participate.
- Follow teacher instructions and implement team decisions.
- Contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other school professionals to facilitate planning, problem solving, and decision-making processes across all relevant settings.
- Maintain confidentiality of individual students and their families, as well as all student educational records.
- Perform assigned responsibilities under the supervision of the teachers in a professional and ethical manner established by the district, agency, state, or professional organization.
- Participate with administrators, consultants, and/or other professionals in designing and implementing comprehensive professional development activities for paraprofessionals.
- Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests and record test information.
- Read, understand and assist in implementing, recording and monitoring assigned students IEP’s.
- Assist students to and from activities, loading, unloading and/or riding the bus and assist in preparation as required.
- Assist students by providing proper examples (positive attitude, caring attitude, good rapport with other staff members), emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
- Provide support to the teacher and student by creating an environment that is conducive to learning. If instruction is being hindered because a student’s behavior is distracting, implement guidelines given by the teacher. (Take student for a walk, take student to the bathroom, remind student how they are to behave).
- Conference with the teacher/case manager concerning programs and materials to meet students needs. Also, discuss with the teacher concerns that need to be shared with the parent. It is the teacher’s responsibility to communicate academic/behavioral/instructional concerns with the parents.
- Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations including PBIS and de-escalation techniques. May require annual training and re-certification in safe crisis management.
- Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular attendance.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Basic subjects taught in District Schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
- Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Basic record-keeping techniques.
ABILITY TO:
- Learn child guidance principles and practices.
- Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
- Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
- Print and write legibly.
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
- Understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
- Work cooperatively with others.
- Monitor, observe and report students’ behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
- Operate instructional and office equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Minimum 48 college credit hours or successful completion of the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment or completion of an Associate's Degree. Experience working with youth in an organized setting and some instructional experience in a classroom environment working with children and parents with special needs, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
Licenses or Certifications:
N/A
Special Requirements:
N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
- Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
- Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, running.
- Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull medium weights, up to 50 pounds.
Job Description Creation Date: 1/2002
Revision Dates: 5/2002, 7/2011, 7/2012, 2/2014, 10/2024
The Fayette County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Superintendent shall adhere to a policy of equal employment opportunity in all personnel matters. No person shall be subjected to discrimination in regard to employment, retention, promotion, demotion, transfer or dismissal because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), genetic information, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, age or disabling condition or limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Fayette County Public Schools, KY
JOB DESCRIPTION
– Special Education Paraeducator
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description.
Job Class Code: 8325
Position Type: Hourly
Job Type: Classified
Pay Grade: G 03 (salary calculations are based on verified education and related experience levels)
Reports To: Principal or designee
Supervises: N/A
Work Calendar Name: Paraeducators
Days in work calendar: 183
JOB SUMMARY
Assist certified teachers in implementing instructional practices, transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and communicating and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure special education students obtain quality instruction.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Implement strategies and procedures developed by teachers to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
- Implement strategies that promote the student’s independence across all relevant educational settings.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers and related service professionals in carrying out tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering (including lifting), administering medication, feeding, positioning and other health related procedures required by students who have special health care needs, and maintain appropriate records of these activities.
- Keep student data current and report concerns to teacher when they arise.
- Under the guidance and supervision of a teacher, effectively implement learning strategies, prompting procedures, and other systematic instructional procedures in school and non-school settings using a variety of instructional grouping arrangements.
- Implement teacher-developed plans or strategies that enhance the fluency, maintenance, and generalization of academic skills.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers with community-based instruction.
- Use grammatically correct language which includes age-appropriate vocabulary, first person language, appropriate tone of voice, and reinforcement procedures.
- Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional classroom materials; setting up student work areas; and operating office equipment, video, computer, adaptive devices, and other materials. Maintain classroom records, maintain attendance records, answer phone.
- Assist teachers in monitoring student progress regarding academic/cognitive development, social development, and behavior.
- Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining student records required by federal and state law and regulations and Fayette County Public Schools’ Policies and Procedures.
- Implement teacher-developed behavior plans and techniques that adhere to the laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards (safe crisis management) concerning the management of student behaviors. Includes lifting up to 50 pounds and/or restraining students if necessary. Record data and monitor progress on behavior goals as directed by teacher.
- Monitor and assist students in non-academic learning environments (i.e., lunchrooms, study halls, playgrounds, and buses).
- Direct group activities of students as assigned, assist in lunchroom duties as assigned, assist in emergency drills, rec-leisure activities, assemblies, community participation as assigned.
- Assist in overseeing students while in regular class, labs or other activities, providing them with the necessary materials needed to participate.
- Follow teacher instructions and implement team decisions.
- Contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other school professionals to facilitate planning, problem solving, and decision-making processes across all relevant settings.
- Maintain confidentiality of individual students and their families, as well as all student educational records.
- Perform assigned responsibilities under the supervision of the teachers in a professional and ethical manner established by the district, agency, state, or professional organization.
- Participate with administrators, consultants, and/or other professionals in designing and implementing comprehensive professional development activities for paraprofessionals.
- Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests and record test information.
- Read, understand and assist in implementing, recording and monitoring assigned students IEP’s.
- Assist students to and from activities, loading, unloading and/or riding the bus and assist in preparation as required.
- Assist students by providing proper examples (positive attitude, caring attitude, good rapport with other staff members), emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
- Provide support to the teacher and student by creating an environment that is conducive to learning. If instruction is being hindered because a student’s behavior is distracting, implement guidelines given by the teacher. (Take student for a walk, take student to the bathroom, remind student how they are to behave).
- Conference with the teacher/case manager concerning programs and materials to meet students needs. Also, discuss with the teacher concerns that need to be shared with the parent. It is the teacher’s responsibility to communicate academic/behavioral/instructional concerns with the parents.
- Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations including PBIS and de-escalation techniques. May require annual training and re-certification in safe crisis management.
- Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular attendance.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Basic subjects taught in District Schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
- Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Basic record-keeping techniques.
ABILITY TO:
- Learn child guidance principles and practices.
- Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
- Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
- Print and write legibly.
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
- Understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
- Work cooperatively with others.
- Monitor, observe and report students’ behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
- Operate instructional and office equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Minimum 48 college credit hours or successful completion of the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment or completion of an Associate's Degree. Experience working with youth in an organized setting and some instructional experience in a classroom environment working with children and parents with special needs, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
Licenses or Certifications:
N/A
Special Requirements:
N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
- Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
- Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, running.
- Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull medium weights, up to 50 pounds.
Job Description Creation Date: 1/2002
Revision Dates: 5/2002, 7/2011, 7/2012, 2/2014, 10/2024
The Fayette County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Superintendent shall adhere to a policy of equal employment opportunity in all personnel matters. No person shall be subjected to discrimination in regard to employment, retention, promotion, demotion, transfer or dismissal because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), genetic information, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, age or disabling condition or limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
See all 1+ Special Education Paraeducator jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Special Education Paraeducator roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Special Education Paraeducator Jobs
Target districts with specialized programs
School districts with autism, behavioral intervention, or multilingual special education programs are more likely to sponsor visas for qualified international candidates with specialized training.
Emphasize degree-level requirements
Highlight positions requiring bachelor's degrees in special education or related fields. Many paraeducator roles don't require degrees, making H-1B sponsorship impossible for those positions.
Research state licensing requirements
Some states require paraeducators to hold teaching certificates or complete specific training programs. Understanding these requirements helps identify sponsorship-eligible positions in your target states.
Consider charter and private schools
Charter schools and private institutions often have more flexibility in hiring international candidates and may be willing to sponsor H-1B visas for specialized roles.
Highlight bilingual or cultural skills
Districts serving diverse student populations value paraeducators who speak multiple languages or have experience with specific cultural backgrounds when working with special needs students.
Apply early in the school year cycle
School districts typically plan hiring for the following academic year starting in January. Early applications allow time for H-1B lottery registration and visa processing.
Special Education Paraeducator jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Special Education Paraeducator JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do special education paraeducators qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but only when the position requires a bachelor's degree in special education, education, or a related field. Many paraeducator roles are classified as support positions that don't require degrees, making them ineligible for H-1B sponsorship. The job posting must specify degree requirements to qualify as a specialty occupation.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a paraeducator?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in special education, elementary education, psychology, or a closely related field. Some positions may accept degrees in behavioral analysis or speech pathology. The degree field must directly relate to the specialized duties of working with students who have disabilities.
Do school districts actually sponsor H-1B visas for paraeducators?
Some do, particularly larger districts with specialized programs or teacher shortages. Public school districts are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery restrictions. However, many districts are unfamiliar with visa sponsorship processes and may need education about the benefits.
How to find Special Education Paraeducator jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Special Education Paraeducator jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with U.S. employers offering H-1B and other work visas. Focus on public school districts, charter schools, and special education centers that frequently sponsor international educators. These employers value diverse perspectives in supporting students with disabilities and often have established visa sponsorship processes.
Can I work as a paraeducator while my H-1B is pending?
If you're already in valid H-1B status with another employer, you can start working once USCIS receives your change-of-employer petition. If you're outside the U.S. or in a different status, you must wait for H-1B approval and status change before beginning work.
Are there state licensing requirements that affect visa sponsorship?
Yes, many states require paraeducators to complete certification programs or pass competency exams. These requirements don't directly impact H-1B eligibility but may delay your start date. Some districts will sponsor visas conditional on obtaining required state certifications within a specified timeframe after hire.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Special Education Paraeducator jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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