Paraeducator - Mainstream Special Education SUPPORT

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 1:1 instructional paraeducator position supporting mainstream special education students. The role assists certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities, including individual or small-group instruction, monitoring and documenting student behavior and progress, and supervising student activities. Assignment or location may change based on student-specific needs and school enrollment. The position is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day for 168 days per year and 3.5 hours per day for 10 days per year. It also includes 7 hours per day for four days in the first year and two days each following year until certification is completed. Pay is $25.40 at PSE Salary Schedule Level 5. The official hire date is based on School Board approval and may change. The hire date and certification training are subject to the conditions described in the posting. The paraeducator works under the school principal and receives guidance from an assigned program administrator, teacher, or program specialist. The position requires completion of Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire, as well as successful completion of the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate program, which is dependent on state funding. The work may involve frequent interruptions and students with a wide range of behaviors, academic abilities, and physical or emotional disabilities. Physical conditions may include student noise, ordinary infectious diseases, lifting and positioning students and equipment, working in non-routine positions for extended periods, assisting with personal hygiene, possible exposure to biting or bodily fluids, and outdoor playground supervision in inclement weather.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
To be considered for an interview, must meet one of these federal minimum qualification options: pass the ParaPathways Assessment or Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment; hold an associate degree or higher; have 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits from an accredited higher education institution; complete a registered apprenticeship program offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or successfully complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Must successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program; completion is dependent on state funding.
Must complete Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire.
Education, training, skills, and experience necessary to carry out the assignment.
Demonstrated reading, writing, and communication skills; knowledge of basic subject areas such as reading and math.
Ability to work warmly and confidently with students, remain flexible when assignments change, organize activities, follow and give instructions, and be fair and consistent.
Ability to learn effective behavior-management and instructional techniques.
Knowledge of a variety of behavior and learning disorders and student safety rules and procedures.
Ability to learn computer and software use for student instruction and record keeping, and operation of general office machines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
Requires fingerprinting and a background check for specified convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Must complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan.
Requires hepatitis-B immunization.
Must complete required district/state paraeducator training and certification requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs is preferred.
May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification.
May be required to attend training and become Right Response certified.

Responsibilities

Instruct students individually or in small groups to promote understanding of learning materials and support educational objectives set by certificated staff.
Under the direction of certificated staff, administer and supervise objective tests or other measurements as assigned.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and adapt methods to student needs; consult about remediation or enrichment activities.
Assist with maintaining student records, logs, charts, assignments, and other progress-assessment records; correct, score, or grade work according to instructions.
Supervise student behavior in classrooms, playgrounds, halls, lunch and break areas, bus boarding areas, field trips, and other assigned sites.
Correct behavior and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures; teach student safety, socialization, and behavioral rules.
Assist students in developing interpersonal and personal skills.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and the public regarding student progress, safety, and community relations.
Provide physical assistance to students with disabilities, including lifting, positioning, or personal hygiene assistance, as needed.
Monitor injured or ill students for first-aid needs and refer them for treatment as appropriate.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials for student use, enrichment activities, and special projects under certificated staff direction.
Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials and operate office equipment.
Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and follow district ethical guidelines.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.