Paraeducator Life Skills 1:1 (Behavior) @ North Elementary

Moses Lake School District 161•Moses Lake, WA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves coordinating activities or performing specialized duties to assist in providing instruction to and supervision of students with behavioral challenges in a variety of instructional and non-instructional programs, in both Special Education rooms and General Education rooms. Each 1:1 Life Skills Paraeducator position is unique and tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual student they are assigned to support. The level and type of assistance provided will depend on the student’s unique physical, emotional, behavioral, and academic requirements, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The role primarily involves providing behavioral and academic support, with a focus on helping the student engage successfully in learning activities while maintaining emotional regulation. The paraeducator will collaborate with the student’s case manager and other staff to implement strategies designed to enhance the student's participation and success in both academic and non-academic settings. The direct supervisor for the 1:1 paraeducator is the student’s case manager, who will oversee and guide the paraeducator in supporting the student’s individual needs. Clear and consistent communication with the case manager is essential for coordinating strategies and ensuring that interventions are effectively meeting the student’s goals. A primary goal of the 1:1 Life Skills Paraeducator is to assist the student in developing skills that promote independence. This includes fostering the student’s ability to complete tasks, manage behaviors, and interact with peers and staff in an appropriate and autonomous manner. Paraeducators are required to follow the student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) precisely. This involves recognizing triggers, implementing preventive strategies, and using positive behavior supports to de-escalate challenging behaviors. Paraeducators are expected to use district-approved de-escalation techniques and interventions to manage situations safely and effectively. Completion of Safety Care Behavioral Safety Training is mandatory for all 1:1 paraeducators. This training equips staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to handle crises safely, respond to challenging behaviors, and ensure the safety and well-being of both the student and staff. Paraeducators must maintain open and regular communication with the student’s case manager, who provides direct oversight. This includes updating the case manager on the student’s progress, behavior, and any challenges encountered, ensuring that interventions remain consistent and effective. Given the unique nature of each 1:1 assignment, paraeducators may be required to assist with a range of personal care tasks (e.g., toileting, feeding, mobility assistance), as well as academic and behavioral interventions. Flexibility and adaptability are critical to responding to the changing needs of the student. Paraeducators will participate in ongoing professional development to deepen their understanding of the student’s needs and improve their skills in using assistive technologies, behavior management strategies, and other tools necessary for supporting the student’s independence and success. Paraeducators are expected to adhere to all district policies and procedures, including maintaining confidentiality, supporting a positive learning environment, and following prescribed schedules and routines to ensure the student's academic and social development is fully supported.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Earned 72 college level credits from an accredited institution of higher education, OR possess a college degree, OR be able to pass the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Assessment.
Previous experience working with students in both individual and small group instructional situations.
Previous experience and/or training working with students in a classroom setting.
Proven ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage large groups of students in an unstructured environment while maintaining a high level of safety.
Proven record of punctuality and consistent attendance.
Willing and able to assist students with personal management, including toileting, changing, eating, and other personal hygiene.
Criminal history clearance through Washington State Patrol and FBI.
Complete required Safe Schools trainings.
Obtain and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
Obtain and maintain Safety Care certification.
Within the first year of employment, successfully complete the Washington State Fundamental Course of Study for Paraeducators provided by the District.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of education fundamentals.
Training and experience using current curriculum preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized support tailored to the specific needs of the student.
Offer behavioral and academic support to help the student engage in learning and maintain emotional regulation.
Collaborate with the student’s case manager and other staff to implement strategies for student success.
Promote student independence by fostering skills for task completion, behavior management, and appropriate social interaction.
Implement the student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), including recognizing triggers, preventive strategies, and de-escalation techniques.
Complete mandatory Safety Care Behavioral Safety Training.
Maintain open and regular communication with the student’s case manager, providing updates on progress and challenges.
Assist with personal care tasks such as toileting, feeding, and mobility assistance as needed.
Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance skills in behavior management and assistive technologies.
Adhere to all district policies and procedures, including maintaining confidentiality and supporting a positive learning environment.
Ensure punctuality and consistent attendance, informing supervisor of absences in advance.
Enter absences in the district absence management system.