Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream Special Education ILC

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This classified paraeducator position assists certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities for students with special education needs, generally in a self-contained classroom. Duties include providing individual and small-group instruction, supporting basic and pre-vocational life skills, supervising behavior, and attending to students’ physical, hygiene, medical, and safety needs. The paraeducator communicates with staff and families about student progress and safety, maintains student and classroom records, and prepares instructional materials and equipment. The position is 6.5 hours per day for 178 days per year. During the first year, the schedule is 7 hours per day for four days; in each following year, it is 7 hours per day for two days until certification is completed. Pay is listed as PSE Salary Schedule Level 5 at $25.40. The person hired must complete Right Response Training and qualify within 3–5 months of hire, and must successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and the state General Paraeducator Certificate requirements. Right Response certification must be renewed annually before it expires. The official hire date depends on School Board approval.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Meet one of the stated federal minimum qualifications: 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 offered by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and the state General Paraeducator Certificate Program requirements.
Complete Right Response Training and obtain qualifications within 3–5 months of hire; renew the certification annually before expiration.
Demonstrate reading, writing, and communication skills and knowledge of basic subject areas such as reading and math.
Be able to work warmly and confidently with students, remain flexible, organize activities, follow and give instructions, and work fairly and consistently with students.
Be able to learn and use behavior-management and instructional techniques, understand a variety of behavior and learning disorders, and follow student safety procedures.
Be able to learn computer and software use for instruction and record keeping and learn to operate general office machines.
Be able to establish effective working relationships, diffuse situations, resolve conflicts, and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
Be willing to train in medical procedures when necessary, such as medication administration or tube feeding.
Complete fingerprinting and a background check.
Complete training in and adhere to the district infection-control plan.
May be required to obtain first-aid and CPR certification.
Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs is preferred.
For Title One and Title One School-wide Special Education positions, meet the stated additional qualification of an associate degree, proof of completion of the Washington State Paraeducator Assessment, or two years of higher education.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Instruct students with moderate to severe disabilities individually or in small groups, reinforcing learning objectives established by certificated staff and assisting with assessments.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and adapt methods to student needs, including consulting on remediation or enrichment.
Assist with maintaining student progress records, logs, charts, assignments, and other assessment records.
Attend to student physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and potentially harmful behavior, and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures.
Assist with toileting and personal hygiene, including washing, grooming, showering, catheterization, and diapering as needed.
Support interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, social eating skills, basic living skills, and pre-vocational activities.
Help students develop communication skills and facilitate integration with age-group peers where possible.
Maintain effective communication with students, staff, and parents regarding student progress and safety.
Provide physical assistance, including lifting and positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document procedures established by a physical therapist.
Monitor students’ first-aid needs and refer them for treatment when appropriate.
Maintain classroom, materials, and equipment cleanliness and hygiene, including washing dishes and laundering classroom items.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials and activities under the direction of certificated staff; prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials.
Maintain classroom areas, therapeutic equipment, and assigned supplies; operate office equipment as needed.
Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and perform related duties consistent with the position.