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Paraprofessional/Special Education Aide at BrightBee · Grand…

Entry LevelOn-siteContractGrand Rapids, MI$17.5–$19/hr

Job Description

What You’ll Do

Want a job where you actually make a difference?

At BrightBee, we're tackling the K-12 staffing crisis by connecting schools with the support staff they need to thrive. Our independent contractors, called Bees, choose assignments that fit their skills and schedules. Opportunities range from one day to several weeks.

We've partnered with Grand Rapids Public Schools to provide Special Education Aides across the district.

In this role, you'll assist with academic and behavior interventions; small-group or 1-on-1 learning; help execute specialized curricula, track student progress, and assist with required compliance documentation; support students with personal care, daily living routines, and physical needs; and provide active supervision across the school environment.

Schedule

Work 2-5 days per week (Highest need is on Fridays).
Schedule/Hours Available
- Primarily full school day (8-3:30)

If you want flexible work AND meaningful impact—this is it.

✅ What You Will Need

60 college credits or a 460 score on the ETS ParaPro Exam
Experience working as a paraprofessional
RBT experience a plus

Compensation

Every NewBee starts at a base rate of $17.50 for mild/moderate assignments, and $19 for moderate/severe, regardless of their prior experience. All Bees are eligible for a $100 bonus after completion of their 5th assignment. You rate grows as you complete more assignments - your first increase of 10% will occur after completing your 50th assignment. Bees who work consistently will see this increase in their first 3-6 months of work. Pay is processed each week for assignments completed in the prior week.

What You’ll Be Doing

Support students with learning and after school classroom activities
Help manage behavior using positive reinforcement
Assist during lunch, recess, and school activities
Work closely with teachers and school staff

Who This Is Perfect For

You enjoy working with kids or teens
You’re patient, reliable, and positive
You have experience working as a paraprofessional
You’re looking for flexible and/or consistent work (several of our single day assignments convert to long-term opportunities)

Before You Start

To keep students safe, you’ll need to:

Pass a background check
Follow safety and reporting guidelines
Complete required school clearances which you are responsible for paying.
- Costs associated with the clearance process are the sole responsibility of the candidate, as this engagement is for an independent contractor role rather than a traditional employment position. Requirements vary by state but may include the cost of a background check, obtaining a copy of any college transcript you have, and the cost of completing Mandated Reporter training. The average cost of completing clearance in Michigan is $70.

Don’t stress—we guide you through every step.

Why BrightBee?

We connect great people with schools that need them—fast.

Flexible, app-based work
Support every step of the way
Opportunities to grow your experience
Be part of something bigger—supporting your community

Ready to Get Started?

Apply today and start working in schools near you. Our process is simple:

1 video interview
1 virtual orientation (live over Zoom)
Michigan clearance process

Good to Know

BrightBee centers child safety at the core of its work. Applicants must undergo a background check, adhere to a code of conduct, and comply with all mandated reporter training and reporting requirements

Prior to working with students, you will need to pass a background check, livescan and may need to obtain other necessary testing/clearances and provide us with authorization to contact former employers.. Rest assured, we will guide you through the process!

Please note, assignments may require the ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.

BrightBee provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text messages from BrightBee regarding your application and related employment communications. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out of receiving texts at any time by replying "STOP."

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.