Education Support Professional Special Education LRC 1:1 - Lister

Tacoma Public Schools•Lister Elementary 2106 E. 44th St., WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring an Education Support Professional to assist a certificated teacher with the instructional and personal care needs of students with a broad range of disabilities, including medically fragile, orthopedically impaired, developmental, physical, and behavioral disabilities. This 1:1 position will be assigned to a third-grade female student. The role provides academic interventions and may include assistance with activities of daily living. The position is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day and 183 work days over a 10-month year. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The salary level is PA4H ($29.50 with no degree), PA4J ($30.25 with an associate degree), or PA4K ($30.50 with a bachelor's degree or higher). The position has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools. The role requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. District-provided Fundamental Course of Study training totals 28 hours; 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 after completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

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 and experience that meets federal and state requirements.
Complete and attain 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.
Fingerprinting and successful Washington State Patrol and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
May be required to complete cleansing intermittent catheterization training.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; effective instructional methods for students with disabilities; and safe lifting and positioning methods.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, de-escalate student conflict, obtain and exchange information, and communicate and work effectively with staff, students, and the community.
Ability to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, and lift to meet students’ physical needs; work in inclement weather; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to organize and coordinate activities; feed, diaper, and provide toileting and other personal assistance; respond sensitively to students who cannot communicate their needs; and appropriately restrain students when necessary.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, civil, and collegial working relationships in a multicultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.
Demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Responsibilities

Provide instruction to students individually or in small groups in assigned learning activities under a teacher’s direction, including implementing activities assigned by specialists and supporting participation in learning.
Support students with sensory or physical disabilities and promote and monitor a safe environment conducive to instruction.
Assist students with self-care and activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, personal hygiene, and other care procedures.
Help manage student behavior, calm or restrain students when required, monitor physical emergencies such as seizures, and provide sensory stimulation activities as assigned.
Use adaptive equipment and assist students during adaptive physical education; administer and log medications when assigned and trained by the appropriate professional.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in locker rooms and restrooms, and during bus loading and unloading; provide support to bus drivers and transport students around school premises as needed.
Record student progress in data sheets and logs, prepare reports, maintain student records, and collect data on academic progress, IEP goals, behavioral plans, and grooming plans.
Communicate with classroom teachers, program administrators, other school staff, and parents or guardians as assigned.
Adjust the position of students with physical disabilities as needed, implement occupational and physical therapy instructions, use basic sign language as needed, and monitor students for safety.
Prepare and serve student lunches and snacks and clean dishes, utensils, and eating areas as needed.
Model appropriate behavior, correct inappropriate behavior, support conflict resolution, administer discipline according to District guidelines, and assist with classroom management.
Help adapt instructional materials and activities, administer standardized tests as assigned, use specialized teaching techniques, software, and adaptive equipment, and arrange classroom materials.
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 regarding students.
Use, adapt, and maintain specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, wedges, standers, and side-layers; coordinate student computer activities and maintain or troubleshoot related equipment and software.
Maintain reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance and address concerns with appropriate teaching staff, therapy staff, or building administrators.
Perform additional duties as assigned, which may include intermittent catheterization after training, clerical work, classroom supervision during brief teacher breaks, working in other classrooms, and trained physical restraint when necessary.