Para Educator

Deer Park School District • Deer Park, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator assists with instructional services for eligible students, with responsibilities varying according to assignment. Under the direction of certificated staff, the position supports instruction, student supervision and discipline, preparation of materials, testing, record keeping, and activities in classrooms, throughout the building, and outdoors. Duties may include helping students with personal hygiene and basic skills, including diapering and feeding when assigned to developmentally appropriate programming under a certified special education teacher’s supervision. The Paraeducator may also implement structured positive behavioral intervention plans and provide outside supervision.

The position is at Deer Park High School and is scheduled Monday through Friday on school days, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It begins October 28, 2026. Employment terms and salary are governed by the collective bargaining agreement and district policies. The 2026–2027 base hourly salary range is $19.02–$23.71, with placement determined by school district experience; an additional stipend is provided for assignments in certain self-contained programs. The role is evaluated by the building principal.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Hold current first aid/CPR certification or be willing to obtain it promptly.
• Meet the paraeducator qualification through one of the following: at least two years of study totaling 72 quarter hours at an institution of learning; an associate degree or higher; or meeting a rigorous quality standard demonstrated through a formal paraeducator competency test (PRAXIS).
• Secure a food handlers permit, first aid card, and Right Response training before starting.
• Participate in the FCS and General Certification program after employment.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional standards.
• Complete required Washington State Patrol and FBI background checks before hire.
• Verify identity and U.S. work authorization before employment begins.
• Submit an online application, resume, cover letter, two letters of reference, and confidential reference checks, including at least one from the most recent supervisor.

Nice To Haves

• Small-group instructional experience is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with staff and students and as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students in a warm and confident manner.
• Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and assist with student discipline and positive behavior.
• Provide individual and small-group instruction under the direction of special education and general education certificated employees.
• Adapt lessons and activities, with teacher approval, to supplement classroom instruction.
• Assist students with reading, writing, basic math, adaptation, and social-emotional skills.
• Score standardized and classroom-based student assessments.
• Prepare materials and supplies for supplemental activities.
• Develop and maintain student records as directed by a teacher.
• Prepare for and assist with program audits.
• Maintain health and safety standards and report student-protection concerns to relevant staff or the principal.
• Maintain positive working relationships and collaborate with colleagues as a team.
• Supervise classroom, building, and outdoor activities, and report promptly and reliably to assigned duty areas.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for diversity in the school and district community.
• When assigned, provide diapering, feeding, and other developmentally appropriate programming under a certified special education teacher’s supervision.
• Implement structured positive behavioral intervention plans.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and professional standards.
• Perform other duties as directed by the building principal.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and flexible spending arrangements in accordance with the state School Employees Benefits Board.
• Eligible for retirement benefits.
• Additional stipend for paraeducators assigned to self-contained programs such as DLC and Behavioral Programs.
• Other forms of compensation may be available under the current collective bargaining agreement.

What This Job Offers

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