WHO WE ARE

Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina. We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child's unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics. We guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

THE ROLE

The One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional at Heartwood Community School plays a vital role in assisting with Individualized Education Plan (IEP) implementation, providing behavioral support, providing physical and personal care, and promoting social interaction. They support students who are struggling to self-regulate by equipping them with essential social-emotional learning skills. They help students manage their emotions and make good choices, especially during difficult moments. They also assist in special needs student supervision, implement instructional plans, and share information with staff. The ideal candidate is compassionate, patient, and committed to Heartwood's whole-child approach, creating a safe, supportive environment that encourages each student's growth and success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Instructional Support: Implements and reinforces research-based interventions and instructional activities under the direction of the supervising teacher to support classroom objectives, promote learning, and help meet IEP goals.
• Student Supervision and Safety: Supervises and escorts students in various settings (e.g., classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, field trips, emergency drills) to ensure safety and a positive learning environment.
• Personal Care Assistance: Assists students with personal care needs, including hygiene, lifting, diapering, and physical transitions (e.g., desk to wheelchair), to support their well-being and access to learning.
• Behavior and Conflict Management: Monitors behavior plans and daily schedules, and uses appropriate interventions to manage potential conflicts and minimize disruptions.
• Communication and Collaboration: Maintains regular communication with instructional staff, health professionals, and support personnel to report student progress and help implement IEP objectives.
• Data Collection and Meetings: Collects data on IEP goals, attends IEP and problem-solving meetings, and contributes to team discussions to support data-driven decisions and a whole-student approach.
• Professional Development: Participates in meetings and training sessions to stay informed on best practices and responsibilities related to the role.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

We are unapologetically committed to recruiting the best people in our field. We seek only those team members who set the highest standards for themselves and are passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of children.

• Deep commitment to Heartwood Community School's mission and the whole-child philosophy, choosing to contribute to a community dedicated to meaningful, lasting impact.
• True team player who celebrates the achievements of others, finds joy in shared successes, and understands that individual accomplishments are only as strong as the team's collective impact.
• Exceptional relationship building skills, driven by a belief in each student's potential and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
• Strong personal organization, planning abilities, and attention to detail, ensuring a structured and inspiring learning environment.
• Passion for lifelong learning, with a drive to master content, continuously improve, and inspire students with enthusiasm for the subject matter.
• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and engage children, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning in every student.

COMPENSATION

The salary for this role is $80,000, with eligibility for a relocation package. To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

We are committed to building a best in class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.