Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream Special Education EBD SUPPORT

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 1:1 instructional paraeducator position supporting students with special education needs. The paraeducator 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 and/or location may change based on student-specific needs and school enrollment. The position is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day for 164 days per year and 3.5 hours per day for 14 days per year. It also includes 7 hours per day for 4 days in the first year and 2 days each year thereafter until certification is completed. Pay is listed as PSE Salary Schedule Level 5, $25.40. The employee must complete the state-required Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate requirements, subject to state funding, and complete Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire. Renewal must be completed before the certification expires. The official hire date is subject to School Board approval and may change without notice. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet one of the listed federal qualification pathways: pass the ParaPathways or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment; hold an associate degree or higher; have 72 quarter or 48 semester credits from an accredited institution; complete a registered Washington State Department of Labor & Industries apprenticeship; or complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program. Official transcripts may be required upon hire. The role reports to the school principal and receives guidance from the assigned program administrator, teacher, or program specialist. It may involve frequent interruptions, diverse student behaviors and abilities, and supporting students with physical or emotional disabilities. Physical demands may include lifting and positioning students and equipment, assisting with personal hygiene, working in non-routine positions, and outdoor playground supervision in inclement weather. The employee may encounter infectious diseases, student noise, biting behavior, and bodily fluids, and must follow the district infection control plan.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must meet at least one federal qualification pathway: pass the ParaPathways Assessment or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment; hold an associate degree or higher; complete at least 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an accredited higher-education institution; complete a registered Washington State Department of Labor & Industries apprenticeship; or complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Must complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate requirements under the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program; program availability depends on state funding.
Must complete Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire and renew certification before it expires.
Must undergo fingerprinting and a background check for convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Must complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan.
Requires demonstrated reading, writing, and communication skills; knowledge of basic subjects such as reading and math; and the ability to follow and give instructions.
Requires the ability to work warmly and confidently with students, organize activities, remain flexible, and be fair and consistent.
Requires the ability to learn behavior-management and instructional techniques, and knowledge of behavior and learning disorders and student safety procedures.
Requires the ability to learn computers and software used for instruction and record keeping, as well as general office machines.
Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification.
Requires hepatitis-B immunization.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide individual or small-group instruction and reinforce educational objectives established by certificated staff.
Administer or supervise objective tests and other measurements under the direction of certificated staff.
Communicate student progress to certificated staff and adjust methods to meet student needs; consult about remediation and enrichment activities.
Maintain student progress records, logs, charts, assignments, and other assessment records; correct, score, or grade work as directed.
Supervise student behavior in classrooms, playgrounds, halls, lunch and break areas, bus boarding areas, field trips, and other assigned locations.
Promote safe and appropriate behavior, apply discipline according to established procedures, and teach behavioral rules and codes.
Assist students in developing interpersonal and personal skills.
Communicate with students, staff, parents, and the public regarding student progress, safety, and community relations.
Provide physical assistance to students with disabilities, including lifting, positioning, and personal hygiene assistance, as needed.
Monitor whether students need first aid and refer them for treatment as appropriate.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, and modify learning materials and activities under certificated staff direction.
Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials; operate office equipment.
Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and follow district ethical guidelines.
May serve on district committees or departmental work teams and perform related duties within the position's scope.