Education Support Professional Special Education 1:1 LRC - Grant

Tacoma Public Schools•Grant Elementary 2510 N 11th St, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring an Education Support Professional to provide one-on-one assistance to a Grade 2 student with a disability during school activities and daily needs. The position also assists a certificated teacher with instructional and non-instructional activities for the assigned student and other classroom students as time permits. The role supports students with a broad range of disabilities, provides academic interventions, and may include assistance with activities of daily living and personal care. The position is listed at 0.8125 FTE, with 6.5 working hours per day and seven hours on campus, including a 30-minute duty-free lunch. It is a 10-month position with 183 work days. The expected start date is November 2026. Salary levels are $29.50 for no degree, $30.25 for an associate degree, and $30.50 for a bachelor’s degree or higher. Tacoma Public Schools offers its full range of benefits. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. The district provides 28 hours of Fundamental Course of Study training; the first two days must 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 through ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

Requirements

Associate degree, 72 post-secondary credit hours, 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 and experience meeting federal and state requirements.
Complete the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate and required district Fundamental Course of Study 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.
Obtain fingerprinting and successful Washington State Patrol and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; and effective instructional methods for students with disabilities.
Knowledge of safe methods for lifting and positioning students; basic sign language skills for designated positions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, de-escalate conflict, obtain and exchange information, and communicate effectively with students, staff, and the community.
Ability to organize and coordinate activities and provide feeding, diapering, toileting, and other personal assistance to students.
Ability to respond sensitively to students who cannot communicate their needs and to appropriately restrain students when necessary.
Ability to establish effective, civil, and collegial working relationships in a multicultural and diverse socioeconomic setting.
Ability to demonstrate reliable attendance and to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, and lift as needed to meet students’ physical needs.
Ability to work in inclement weather; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds.
May be required to travel regularly to other district sites.

Responsibilities

Provide individual or small-group instruction and learning activities as directed by a teacher or specialist, including academic interventions and support for students with sensory or physical disabilities.
Support students’ self-care and daily living needs, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, grooming, and other personal care.
Monitor student safety, assist during physical emergencies or seizures, use adaptive equipment, and provide other assigned supports such as sensory stimulation or medication administration after appropriate training.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in restrooms or locker rooms, during transportation, and in other school settings.
Record student progress and maintain data, logs, reports, and student records, including information related to IEP goals and behavioral or grooming plans.
Communicate and coordinate with classroom teachers, administrators, school staff, therapists, and parents or guardians as assigned.
Assist with positioning students, implementing occupational or physical therapy instructions, and using basic sign language as needed.
Prepare and serve student lunches or snacks and clean dishes, utensils, and eating areas.
Model appropriate behavior, support conflict resolution, correct inappropriate behavior, and assist with classroom management and discipline under district guidelines.
Adapt instructional materials and activities, assist with standardized testing, use specialized teaching techniques and software, and arrange classroom materials and furniture.
Accompany and supervise students on field trips, camp activities, off-site jobs, and in general education classes as assigned.
Participate in department staff meetings and provide information about students.
Use, adapt, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized adaptive equipment and computer equipment or software.
Attend regularly and reliably and follow district attendance and employee conduct policies.
Address concerns with appropriate teaching staff, therapy staff, or building administrators.
May perform trained tasks such as intermittent catheterization or physical restraint when required and authorized.
Provide classroom clerical assistance, duplicate materials, complete paperwork, and supervise students during brief teacher breaks.
Perform related duties as assigned, including temporary assignments in other classrooms.