Join the City of Chattanooga Team
Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents within a metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 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 OrganizationAs a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service and making Chattanooga the best community in the country. Our team ensures our city thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:
The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose: making Chattanooga the best city in America. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:
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, vibrant, 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
With CDA $18.00/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 meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
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 one year 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.
JES 7/18/25