"How Do I....?" Civil Service FAQ

Cincinnati Public Schools offers a host of employment opportunities that are outside of the classroom and integral to the overall success of our district. Additionally, we provide continuous professional development in all career pathway capacities to ensure that we are retaining the best and brightest while offering growth opportunities in our district. We encourage external and internal candidates to inquire and apply for support positions through Applitrak.

CPS Vacancies (Internal and External) 

If you need assistance with the online application system, please click here to contact the Support Desk.

Support Team FAQ

Q: How do I become a Paraprofessional (Instructional Assistant) and what are the requirements?

A: As with all positions in CPS, applicants must apply online through our Applitrak application process. (link provided above).

Also, once hired, new Paraprofessionals are required to apply for an Ohio Department of Education Educational Aide Permit. (instructions for application process are provided in the table below) Paraprofessional requirements are as follows:

Qualifications:

Minimum of 72 quarter credit hours or 48 semester hours of College level education from an accredited college required. If an applicant does not meet the education requirements, he/she would be required to register for the ParaPro Assessment Test offered at the University of Cincinnati.

• Go to www.uc.edu/testingservices, click "Register Now" then "ParaPro Assessment." Choose an available date.

• A pre-registration fee of $25 is required. On the testing date, applicants are required to pay an additional $55 by credit card only.

• Ask UC staff to have your official results sent electronically to Mary Hawkins (Hawkima@cpsboe.k2.oh.us) and to the Ohio Department of Education.

• PARKING FOR THE TEST: It is suggested that applicants park in the Stratford Heights garage next to Deaconess Hospital on Clifton Avenue. The testing site is located in the University Pavillion on the first floor. The building is across the street from the parking garage on Clifton Avenue.

• Testing dates are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

• Any other questions about testing should be addressed with UC Testing at (513) 556-7173.

Training & Experience:

Varied – Work experience with young / pre-school age children in an urban situation preferred.

 Essential Functions / Skills:

• Meets regular and predictable attendance schedule.

• Must be able to verbally & physically interact with students as needed.

• Demonstrates a professional appearance at all times.

• Maintains an open line of communication with parents / guardians using the tools provided by the district as needed.

• Maintains a professional demeanor with coworkers, administration, and general public.

• Basic mathematical principals.

• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Ability to organize and follow direction as needed.

• Ability to move freely in the classroom to assist students as needed.

Q: How do I become a member of Clerical Support Staff and what are the requirements?

A: Again, all applicants are required to apply through our Applitrak system. Once hired, candidates are placed in a Clerical Support Pool and assigned accordingly. Requirements for our Clerical Support Staff are as follows:

• Type 45 words per minute or more

• File and distribute a variety of documents

• Answer telephones and respond to requests for information

• Provide general support and assistance to assigned supervisor / manager and other personnel

• Utilization of a PC and related software required in the performance of this position

• Excel knowledge and experience also required

• Testing will be used to ensure your ability to perform the above tasks

Q: What are the requirements to become a member of the CPS Security Team?

A: Our security team consists of SRO (Student Resource Officer) and Off-Duty Officiers from the Cincinnati Police Department who work in tandem with CPS Security Assistants who are Private Security Officer Basic Training (OPOTA) certified. Applicants must submit an application through Applitrak. Requirements for the positions are as follows:

SRO/Off Duty Officer

• The Officer shall provide necessary Police services on and around school property, while providing protection of the school staff, students and property

• Shall establish a liaison with school personnel in a cooperative effort to prevent juvenile delinquency

• Shall thoroughly investigate all incidents coming to his/her attention during their time of responsibility and make appropriate reports.

• Officer shall provide extension of Police Services at extra curricular activities at schools. 

CPS Security Assistants

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Must have 132 hours of Private Security Officer Basic Training (OPOTA) or other comparable certification with district approval. 

• Work experience with youth groups in multi-ethnic situations preferred. 

• Must have ability to communicate verbally.

• Must be able to work with students.

• Must have the ability to maintain discipline in the school setting and on playgrounds with groups of students.

• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.

Q: I'm interested in applying for other general positions. How do I apply?

A: All positions are listed on Applitrak. Click on the link CPS Vacancies (Internal and External) to view positions available inside and outside of the classroom.