Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream Special Education - Structured Program

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream Special Education assists certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities for students receiving non-mainstreamed special education, generally in a self-contained classroom. The role includes instructing students individually or in small groups, supporting basic life skills, and supervising student behavior. Duties may also include personal care, toilet teaching, feeding, communication development, and academic or pre-academic instruction. 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 4 days; in following years, it is 2 days per year until certification is completed. Pay is $25.40 under PSE Salary Schedule Level 5. The position reports to the school principal or an assigned administrator and receives guidance from certificated staff. The person hired must complete Right Response Training and obtain qualification within 3–5 months of hire, with annual renewal before expiration. The Autism Spectrum Disorder online course must be completed within 3 months of hire. The employee must also successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, which is dependent on state funding. Fingerprinting and a background check are required. The employee must complete training in and follow the district infection-control plan; first aid and CPR certification may be required. Hepatitis-B immunization is offered. Mental demands can include frequent interruptions, a broad range of student behaviors and academic abilities, students with physical or emotional disabilities, and occasional interaction with distraught or difficult students. Physical demands and exposures may include infectious diseases, student noise, lifting or positioning students and equipment such as wheelchairs, working in non-routine positions for extended periods, attending to personal hygiene, 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.
Must 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.
Must complete the online Autism Spectrum Disorder course within 3 months of hire.
Must successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
Must complete Right Response Training and obtain qualifications within 3–5 months of hire; renew the certification annually before it expires.
Must complete training in and adhere to the district infection-control plan.
Must submit to fingerprinting and a background check to determine there are no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Demonstrated reading, writing, and communication skills.
Knowledge of basic subject areas such as reading and math; ability to work warmly and confidently with students; organize activities; follow and give instructions; and remain fair, consistent, flexible, and calm when assignments or schedules change or students become agitated.
Ability to learn and implement effective behavior-management and instructional techniques, diffuse situations, and resolve conflicts.
Knowledge of behavior and learning disorders, student safety rules and procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
Ability to learn to use computers and software for student instruction and record keeping, as well as general office machines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
Education, training, skills, and experience necessary to carry out the assignment.
For Title One and Title One School-wide Special Education positions, an associate degree, proof of completion of the Washington State Paraeducator Assessment, or two years of higher education is required under the posting’s stated federal requirement.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Instruct students with moderate to severe disabilities individually or in small groups, and encourage and reinforce progress toward educational objectives set by certificated staff.
Assist with objective tests and other measurements of student progress.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress, adapt methods to student needs, and consult on remediation or enrichment activities.
Assist in maintaining records, logs, charts, assignments, and other student assessment records.
Attend to students’ physical and safety needs; monitor medical risks and potentially harmful behaviors, and maintain discipline under established policies and procedures.
Assist with toileting, catheterization, diapering, personal hygiene, and other personal care needs.
Support interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, and the social aspects of eating with others.
Help students develop basic living, pre-vocational, and communication skills, and facilitate integration with age-group peers when possible.
Maintain effective communication with students, staff, and parents regarding student progress and safety and community relations.
Provide physical assistance, including lifting or positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document procedures established by a physical therapist.
Monitor students’ need for first aid and refer them for treatment as appropriate.
Maintain classroom, implements, and equipment cleanliness and hygiene, including washing dishes, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and laundering classroom items.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials for student use and activities under certificated staff direction.
Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials; operate office equipment.
Maintain assigned areas, therapeutic and other equipment, and supplies.
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 consistent with the position’s scope and intent.