Paraprofessional (PT)

Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 180,000 residents, is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future—famously powered by the nation’s first community-wide "Gig" fiber-optic network.​  The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City,” the first of its kind in the United States.  

Our Organization

As a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately ​2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service. Our team ensures the community thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:

• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.
• Quality of Life: An award-winning Parks and Outdoors system and the Chattanooga Public Library.
• Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit initiatives.
• Innovation: Leading-edge digital equity and smart-city programs.

Why Choose Chattanooga?

The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
• ​The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground:  Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it.  As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim.  Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• ​Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
• Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
• Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe, revitalized, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you.

Chattanooga Head Start classifies this a hard-to-fill position; thus, a hiring incentive of $500 will be issued to the hired candidate after they have completed their probationary period.

Salary: 

With HS Diploma $17.00/hr 

FLSA Status: This is a non-exempt position. 

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Schedules may vary due to work assignments and projects. 

This Paraprofessional position works an average of 200 days per year (August - July). Schedules may vary due to work assignments, locations, projects and program needs. 

Department: Early Learning 

Location: Avondale, Cedar Hill, or Daisy Head Start or as needed at a partnering site. 

SUMMARY: 

Paraprofessionals will be used to provide support to the classroom and as a substitute teacher when a teacher or assistant is absent from a classroom. Current or former Head Start parents are encouraged to apply. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

The following duties are NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. 

● Supporting classroom teachers in preparing and conducting engaging activities. ● Assisting children in their daily routines and activities to develop social, self-help, and educational skills. 

● Guiding children in acquiring social skills through play and interaction. 

● Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices, as required. 

● Maintain established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments. 

● Helping to create a safe, healthy, and stimulating classroom and playground environment, following all Head Start and ITERS/ECERS Standards. 

● Preparing instructional materials and classroom decorations to enhance learning. ● Participating in transition activities and assisting with health and safety checklists. ● Collaborate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children. 

● Distributing communications such as newsletters and flyers to families. 

● Actively pursuing your professional development and CDA credential. 

● Maintaining confidentiality while keeping records and files accurate and up to date.

● Perform the functions of this position with a general understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards, State of Tennessee Child Care Licensing Regulations, and Agency policies and procedures; and working knowledge and application of Chattanooga Head Start School Readiness Goals. 

● Participate in Agency training events, center staff meetings, and other training events as needed. ● Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. 

● Performs other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

● High School Diploma or GED required 

● Bilingual candidates preferred (additional compensation offered for bilingual proficiency). ● Minimum 18 years of age required 

● Experience working with children ages birth to 5 years of age. 

● Any combination of equivalent experience and education to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered. 

● Current or former Head Start parents are encouraged to apply. 

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

Must be willing to participate in a program to obtain a CDA within two years of employment. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

Knowledge of: 

● Child Development and Child Safety 

Skills: 

● Working with small children in a group setting 

● Planning age appropriate activities for children 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

MEDIUM WORK - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects 

This position is classified as Medium Work in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, which require staff to ensure the health and safety of children. This may include the direct supervision of children and/or the ability to respond promptly and effectively in the event of an emergency at a Head Start center. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Safety Sensitive: Y 

Department of Transportation - CDL: N 

Child Sensitive: Y 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 

This position is subject to pre-employment screenings, which include a background check, drug screening,

lift test, TB screening questionnaire and/or TB skin test (as determined by initial results), complete physical examination, Hepatitis B titer, and fingerprinting. Ongoing requirements include a physical reexamination on an annual or bi-annual basis and fingerprint clearance every five years. 

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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