Education Support Professional Special Education 1:1 LRC - Mann

Tacoma Public Schools•Mann Elementary - 1002 S. 52nd St., WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring an Education Support Professional to assist a certificated teacher with instructional and personal care needs for students with a broad range of disabilities. This position supports a kindergarten-age male and provides academic interventions, supports activities of daily living as needed, and helps maintain a safe, supportive instructional environment. The role is 0.8125 FTE, 6.5 hours per day, and is scheduled for 183 work days over 10 months. Expected start date is as soon as possible. The position may involve working with students who are medically fragile, orthopedically impaired, or have developmental, physical, sensory, or behavioral disabilities. Duties may include individual or small-group instruction, personal care, supervision, student progress documentation, classroom support, use of adaptive equipment, and implementation of teacher- or specialist-directed activities. The role may also require supporting students in general education classes, on field trips, at off-site jobs, and throughout school premises. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. District-provided Fundamental Course of Study training totals 28 hours, with the first two days to be completed within four months of hire and the second two days within six months of hire or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is earned after completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development. CPR/First Aid certification is required or must be completed within the first 90 days of employment. District restraint training and certification are also required; catheterization training may be required. The work may involve prolonged periods confined to a work area, lifting or moving students or materials, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious disease, high noise levels, inclement weather, and distraught or potentially violent situations. The position may require travel between District sites and physical activities including bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, twisting, climbing, and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Associate degree, 72 credit hours of post-secondary education, or a passing state test demonstrating knowledge; demonstrated ability to assist in instructing students; and one year of experience working with individuals with special needs who may have severe disabilities, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training meeting federal and state requirements.
Complete and attain the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate, including required Fundamental Course of Study and professional development training.
CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to complete training within the first 90 days of employment.
Attend District restraint training and maintain certification.
Complete cleansing intermittent catheterization training if required.
Pass fingerprinting and WSP and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; learning styles; effective instructional methods for students with disabilities; and safe methods of lifting and positioning students.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, de-escalate conflict, exchange information, communicate effectively, and work collegially with students, staff, and community members.
Ability to attend to students' physical needs, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and other personal assistance, and to respond sensitively to students who cannot communicate their needs.
Ability to appropriately restrain students when necessary and demonstrate reliable attendance.
Ability to perform physical activities including walking, sitting, squatting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in inclement weather and establish effective working relationships in a multicultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.

Responsibilities

Provide individual or small-group instruction and learning activities as directed by teachers or specialists, including academic interventions and vocational training.
Assist students with personal care and activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, grooming, and other trained care procedures.
Support students with disabilities using adaptive equipment and assist with sensory, physical, occupational therapy, or physical therapy activities as directed.
Monitor and protect students during seizures, physical emergencies, and other safety concerns; de-escalate or restrain students when trained and required.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in restrooms or locker rooms, during transportation transitions, and in other school settings.
Record student progress and data related to IEP goals, behavioral plans, grooming plans, and academic progress; maintain student records and prepare reports.
Communicate and coordinate with classroom teachers, administrators, other school staff, therapy staff, and parents or guardians as assigned.
Assist with adapting instructional materials, administering tests, arranging classroom materials, and using specialized teaching techniques, computer software, and adaptive equipment.
Accompany and supervise students on field trips, camp activities, off-site jobs, and in general education classes as assigned.
Prepare and serve snacks or lunches and clean dishes, utensils, and eating areas as needed.
Model appropriate behavior, support conflict resolution, administer discipline according to District guidelines, and assist with classroom management.
Participate in department staff meetings and provide information about students.
Maintain, adapt, and troubleshoot specialized equipment and software, and assist with scheduling student use of equipment.
Demonstrate reliable attendance and address concerns with appropriate teaching, therapy, or administrative staff.
Provide classroom clerical assistance, supervise students during brief teacher breaks, and perform other assigned duties.