Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream Special Education - Structured Program SUPPORT

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 1:1 instructional paraeducator position supporting students with significant disabilities, generally in a self-contained classroom. The paraeducator assists certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities, including individual or small-group instruction, basic life skills, behavior supervision, personal care, communication development, and academic or pre-academic learning. A change in assignment or location may occur based on student needs and school enrollment. The position is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day for 168 days and 3.5 hours per day for 10 days each school year. It also includes 7 hours per day for 4 days in the first year and 2 days each following year until certification is completed. Pay is $25.40 under PSE Salary Schedule Level 5. The official hire date is subject to School Board approval and may change. The employee must complete Right Response training and qualification within 3–5 months, renew the certification annually, complete an online Autism Spectrum Disorder course within 3 months of hire, and successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate requirements, subject to state funding. The role reports to the school principal or assigned administrator and receives guidance from certificated staff. The work may involve frequent interruptions, varied student behaviors and abilities, physical or emotional disabilities, and occasional interactions with distraught or difficult students. Physical demands and exposures may include lifting or positioning students and equipment, working in non-routine positions for extended periods, personal hygiene care, student noise, infectious diseases, biting behavior, bodily fluids, and outdoor playground supervision in inclement weather.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Meet one federal minimum employment qualification: 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.
Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
Complete Right Response training and qualification within 3–5 months of hire and renew the certification annually before expiration.
Complete the online Autism Spectrum Disorder course within 3 months of hire.
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; organize activities; follow and give instructions; and remain fair, consistent, flexible, and calm when schedules change or students become agitated.
Be able to learn and implement behavior-management and instructional techniques, understand behavior and learning disorders, and follow student safety rules and procedures.
Be able to learn computers and software for student instruction and record keeping, as well as general office equipment.
Be able to establish effective working relationships with students and staff, diffuse situations, resolve conflicts, and maintain confidentiality.
Complete fingerprinting and a background check; convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor are disqualifying.
Complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan.
For Title One and Title One School-wide Special Education positions, meet the associate degree, Washington State Paraeducator Assessment, or two years of higher education requirement.
Provide required application and hiring documents; unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the application, but official transcripts are required upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs.
Knowledge or experience in non-violent crisis intervention, PECS, visual schedule systems and supports, Social Stories, universal precautions, toilet teaching for students with special needs, child development, autism spectrum needs, and sensory processing.
First aid and CPR certification may be required.

Responsibilities

Instruct students individually or in small groups in learning activities, reinforce educational objectives set by certificated staff, and assist with tests or other assessments.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and consult on instructional methods, remediation, and enrichment.
Assist with maintaining student progress records, logs, charts, assignments, and other assessment documentation.
Attend to students' physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and behaviors, and maintain discipline according to established procedures.
Assist with toileting, personal hygiene, feeding, and other personal care needs.
Help students develop interpersonal, personal, social, basic living, pre-vocational, and communication skills, and facilitate integration with age-group peers where possible.
Maintain effective communication with students, staff, and parents concerning student progress and safety.
Provide physical assistance, including lifting and positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document procedures established by physical therapists.
Monitor students' need for first aid and refer them for treatment as appropriate.
Maintain classroom, implements, and equipment cleanliness and hygiene, including cleaning surfaces and laundering relevant items.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials for student activities and projects under certificated staff direction; prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials.
Operate office equipment and maintain classroom areas, therapeutic equipment, and assigned supplies.
Participate in district committees or departmental work teams as assigned, model appropriate and cooperative behavior, and protect confidential information.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.