Education Support Professional SpEd 1:1 Success - Whitman Elementary

Tacoma Public Schools•Whitman Elementary 1120 S. 39th St., WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring an Education Support Professional for a 1:1 position supporting a kindergarten student in the SUCCESS program at Whitman Elementary. The role assists a certificated teacher with instructional and personal-care needs of students with a broad range of disabilities and provides academic interventions, supervision, and support with activities of daily living as needed. The position is 0.8125 FTE, with 6.5 hours of work plus a 30-minute duty-free lunch period, for a total of 7 hours on campus. The schedule is 183 work days over 10 months. Expected start date is November 2026. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. Staff must complete 28 hours of district-provided Fundamental Course of Study training, with the first two days 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. Salary is based on documented experience as an Education Support Professional/Para Professional in Washington state public school districts and is listed at $29.50 for 72 college-level credits or passing the Para Pro Test, $30.25 with an associate degree, and $30.50 with a bachelor’s degree or higher. The job offers the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.

Requirements

Associate degree, 72 credit hours of post-secondary education, or passing score on a state test demonstrating knowledge; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be evaluated.
Demonstrated ability to assist in instructing students.
One year of experience working with individuals with special needs who may have severe disabilities, or an equivalent combination of experience and training meeting federal and state requirements.
Complete and attain the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate and required district 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 for the assignment.
Successfully pass fingerprinting, Washington State Patrol and FBI background clearance, and sexual misconduct clearance.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; effective instructional methods for students with disabilities; and safe methods of lifting and positioning students.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, de-escalate conflict, obtain and exchange information, and communicate and work effectively and collegially with staff, community members, and students.
Ability to support students with feeding, diapering, toileting, personal assistance, and appropriate restraint when necessary.
Ability to organize and coordinate activities and establish effective civil and collegial working relationships in a multicultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.
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.
Demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Responsibilities

Provide instruction individually or in small groups according to teacher direction, implement activities assigned by specialists, support students with sensory or physical disabilities, and promote a safe learning environment.
Support students with self-care and activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, personal hygiene, and other trained care procedures.
Monitor students during physical emergencies or seizures, use adaptive equipment, and administer and log medications when assigned and appropriately trained.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in restrooms or locker rooms, while boarding or exiting buses, and throughout school premises.
Record student progress and other information in data sheets, daily logs, reports, student records, and data related to IEP goals, behavioral plans, grooming plans, and academic progress.
Communicate and coordinate with classroom teachers, program administrators, school staff, parents or guardians as assigned, and appropriate teaching or therapy staff.
Adjust the position of students with physical disabilities as needed; implement occupational or physical therapy instructions and use or teach basic sign language when needed.
Prepare and serve student lunches or snacks and clean dishes, utensils, and eating areas after snack periods.
Model appropriate behavior, support conflict resolution and classroom management, correct inappropriate behavior, and administer discipline according to District guidelines.
Assist teachers in adapting materials and activities, administering standardized tests, arranging classroom materials, and using specialized teaching techniques, software, and adaptive equipment.
Accompany students on field trips, camp activities, off-site jobs, or general education classes when assigned, and provide supervision and instruction as needed.
Participate in department staff meetings and provide information regarding students.
Use, adapt, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized or computer-based equipment used by students with disabilities.
Maintain reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance and follow District attendance and employee conduct policies.
Provide classroom clerical assistance, duplicate materials, complete paperwork, and supervise students during brief teacher breaks as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned, including temporary work in more than one classroom when directed.