Classroom Specialist

Educational Service District 112•Gorge Academy - White Salmon, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Classroom Specialist works under the supervision of a Special Education Teacher to assist with instruction, classroom management, and positive behavior management for students with primary intellectual disabilities, high-intensity support needs, and significant behavioral challenges. The role provides individualized and group instruction in academic and functional skills, helps implement student communication and behavior plans, supports personal care and health needs, and contributes to a safe, positive learning environment. The position serves Gorge Academy in White Salmon, Washington, and is scheduled for 32.5 hours per week during the school year. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED.
Must meet at least one of these educational requirements: an associate degree; 48 semester or 72 quarter credits from an accredited college or university; a passing score of 455 on the ParaPro Assessment; a passing score of 220 on the Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment; or a score of 65% on The Master Teacher, Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Ability to acquire and maintain a valid first aid and CPR card.
Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform the essential functions.
Successful completion of a criminal history and fingerprint check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to sit, stand, and stoop to attend to student needs and provide instruction.
Strength and agility to help maintain a safe learning environment and follow emergency response protocols.
Ability to work in a setting where physical intervention may be necessary to restrain students in compliance with Washington State WACs and emergency response protocols.
Ability to work with exposure to communicable diseases and student verbalizations that may escalate to physical aggression.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a special education classroom setting.
Knowledge of programs and services for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Provide teacher-directed instruction to individual students in academic and functional skill areas, including communication, self-care, social skills, community use, functional academics, leisure, and work.
Collect behavioral data for functional behavioral assessments and contribute observations and data to the development of Behavior Support Plans.
Follow student Behavior Support Plans, use de-escalation principles, and provide feedback on positive reinforcement strategies.
Follow district-approved procedures when assisting with seclusion or restraint of students at risk of harming themselves or others, using the least intrusive interventions appropriate to students' needs and disabilities.
Support students' communication by consistently implementing methods as instructed by the speech/language pathologist and classroom teacher.
Provide student personal care, including feeding, toileting, tube feeding, catheterization, and diaper changing.
Support students during transportation to and from the academy as needed.
Work with students individually or in groups to provide skills training consistent with their IEPs and Behavior Support Plans.
Facilitate instruction in interpersonal conflict resolution and help students problem-solve daily.
Perform health tasks and implement individualized protocols as delegated by the Registered Nurse and assigned by the classroom teacher.
Provide input and feedback on student behavior plans to teachers, psychologists, and the program manager.
Cooperate with the classroom instructional team, including the teacher, related-services staff, and other educational assistants.
Maintain regular attendance.
Supervise students during arrival, departure, recess, breaks, and lunch in the education facility and community.
Communicate accurately and effectively with education staff, the program manager, and community service providers about instruction.
Collect and record data on student performance.
Respond to behavioral escalations in accordance with student behavior and crisis plans.
Prepare materials for teacher-designed instructional activities and complete routine clerical tasks.
Perform other duties as assigned.