Education Support Professional SpEd 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 to support the SUCCESS program at Whitman Elementary. The position assists a certificated teacher with instruction and personal care for students with a broad range of disabilities, including medical, orthopedic, developmental, physical, and behavioral needs. It provides academic interventions and may involve supporting students with activities of daily living. The role is 0.875 FTE, with seven working hours per day and a 30-minute duty-free lunch period, for a total of 7.5 hours on campus. The position is for 183 work days over 10 months. Expected start date is November 2026. The employee provides individual and small-group instruction, supports student safety and behavior, helps students with self-care and mobility, and gathers information on student progress and IEP goals. Duties may also include medication administration after training, specialized personal care, use of adaptive equipment, supervision during meals and transitions, and support in general education settings, field trips, and off-site work placements. The position requires an associate degree, 72 post-secondary credits, or passing the state test, along with demonstrated ability to assist with instruction 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. The employee must complete the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate training. CPR/First Aid certification is required or the employee must be willing to obtain training within the first 90 days. District restraint training and ongoing certification are required. Additional training may be required for cleansing intermittent catheterization. Salary level is PA4: $29.50 per hour with 72 college-level credits or a passing Para Pro Test; $30.25 with an associate degree; or $30.50 with a bachelor's degree or higher. Salary is based on documented experience as an Education Support Professional/Para Professional in Washington state public school districts. Tacoma Public Schools offers the full range of benefits available to its employees.

Requirements

Associate degree, 72 credit hours of post-secondary education, or passing the 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 that meets federal and state requirements.
Complete the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. District-provided Fundamental Course of Study training consists of 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 ten days (70 clock hours) of 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.
Fingerprinting and successful Washington State Patrol and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; effective instructional methods for students with disabilities; and safe methods of lifting and positioning students.
Basic sign language skills for designated positions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, obtain and exchange information, communicate effectively, work collegially, defuse conflicts, and de-escalate situations.
Ability to organize and coordinate activities; provide feeding, diapering, toileting, and other personal assistance; and respond sensitively to students who cannot communicate their needs.
Ability to appropriately restrain students when necessary and demonstrate reliable attendance.
Ability to work in a multicultural and socio-economically diverse setting and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, lift, and otherwise move to meet students' physical needs; work in inclement weather; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Provide instruction to students individually or in small groups according to teacher direction, including assigned lessons, learning activities, vocational training, and academic interventions.
Support students with sensory or physical disabilities and promote a safe environment conducive to learning.
Assist students with self-care and activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, hygiene, and other specialized care tasks.
Monitor and protect students during seizures and other physical emergencies; calm or restrain students when required and trained.
Use adaptive equipment and assist students with adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, and physical therapy activities as directed by specialists.
Administer and log medications when assigned and trained by the licensed school nurse or appropriate therapist.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in locker rooms and restrooms, during bus loading and unloading, and throughout school premises.
Record student progress in data sheets and logs, prepare reports, maintain student records, and collect data related to academic progress, IEP goals, behavioral plans, and grooming plans.
Communicate and coordinate with classroom teachers, program administrators, other school staff, parents or guardians as assigned, and therapy staff.
Adjust the position of students with physical disabilities as needed to support comfort and protect skin.
Use and teach basic sign language as needed and monitor students to ensure their safety.
Prepare and serve lunches and snacks and clean dishes, utensils, and eating areas when assigned.
Model appropriate behavior, redirect inappropriate behavior, teach conflict resolution as directed, administer discipline under District guidelines, and assist with classroom management.
Help adapt instructional materials and activities, administer standardized tests as assigned, and use special teaching techniques, software, and adaptive equipment.
Arrange classroom furniture and materials and accompany students on field trips, camp activities, off-site jobs, or general education classes as assigned.
Participate in department staff meetings and provide information regarding students.
Assist with specialized adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, wedges, standers, and side-layers; adapt and maintain equipment for student use.
Coordinate computer activities for students with disabilities, maintain and troubleshoot equipment and software, and assist with scheduling equipment use.
Address concerns with appropriate teaching staff, therapy staff, and building administrators.
Provide classroom clerical assistance, duplicate materials, complete paperwork, and supervise students during brief teacher breaks as assigned.
Demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance and comply with District conduct policies.
Perform other related duties on a temporary basis or work in more than one classroom as assigned.