Elementary Special Education Paraeducator

Northshore School District 417 • Bothell, WA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a certificated special education teacher, this position assists with general classroom duties relating to the instruction, behavioral development, and life skills of special education students. Assignments are to a Learning Center (pull-out) classroom or a Contained Learning Center (self-contained) classroom, though duties may be performed in a general education classroom as well. An employee in this classification may be assigned to assist one-on-one with a specific student in accordance with the student's individualized educational plan (IEP). Special Education Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten classrooms are a Contained Learning Center environment.

Requirements

• Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Have received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the board OR Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university OR Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training or equivalent is required.
• Willingness to learn about special education student disabilities, terms and special needs equipment used.
• Willingness to learn about classroom management techniques.
• Ability to work cooperatively with teachers and enjoy interacting with children.
• Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and English usage.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and compute effectively.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to operate computers and learn specific software.
• Ability to be accepting of students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to interact with children in a warm, confident manner.
• Ability to establish and effective working relationships with students, staff and the public.
• Completion of Washington State Core Competencies for Paraeducators within 3 years of hire.
• May require a reliable means of transportation and a valid Washington state driver's license if position requires travel between schools.
• Employees assigned to work with students whose behavior includes physical or verbal aggression will be required to undergo training on safety and appropriate intervention techniques.
• Other district provided training may be required depending on the assignment.

Nice To Haves

• May be required to ride the bus with a student to and from school.
• May be required to deal with students with severe behavioral disorders requiring de-escalation skills or physical restraint.
• May be required to assist students outside in inclement weather.
• May be required to assist students in a swimming pool.

Responsibilities

• Assists students in learning, behavior, social, daily living and/or physical development.
• Assists with implementing detailed plans for individual students or small groups as developed by the classroom teacher.
• May assist students in their general education classes.
• Provides individual tutoring, assists student in organization, scribes lessons, proctors tests, and adapts lessons with the guidance of the classroom teacher.
• Directs small group activities; leads lessons at the direction of the classroom teacher, adapting lessons to meet specific student instructional needs and goals; assists with preparation of instructional materials; records classroom data and provides feedback to classroom teacher on student progress; and consults with teacher on IEP goals.
• Assists with student behavior management and social skills; corrects or redirects inappropriate student behavior consistent with student behavior plans and best practices; ensures student safety at all times; may restrain students using procedures consistent with employee training.
• May assist students with medical needs, with self-care; assists with toileting by accompanying students to the restroom, transfers students from wheelchairs to toilets; changes diapers, may perform catheterization if trained by a registered nurse; change or empty bags for students who are catheterized; reposition students or lift students with the assistance of others or by using assistive equipment; and assists students with feeding, including tube feeding.
• Works as a team member building special services team.
• Serves as a liaison between students, teachers, parents and other building staff.
• May participate in parent conferences or as a member of the building multi-disciplinary team.
• May attend staff meetings and professional development courses.
• Assists and supervises students in free time activities.
• May supervise playground activities and school bus-loading/unloading.
• Assists students using the computer; understands classroom technology and helps troubleshoot student computer issues.
• Acts as a role model for students and actively listens to their needs.
• May be required to ride the bus with a student to and from school.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the job description and employee assignment.

Benefits

• Washington state health insurance coverage (SEBB) and a Washington state retirement package, for eligible positions.
• Medical plans with prescription benefits
• Dental plans
• Vision plans
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Dependent Care Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED