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 non-mainstreamed special education students, 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, student behavior supervision, personal care, and communication development. Duties may include toileting, feeding, hygiene, and academic or pre-academic instruction. Assignment or location may change based on student needs and school enrollment. The position is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day for 164 days 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 at $25.40. The employee must complete Right Response training and qualify within 3–5 months, renew the certification annually, complete an online Autism Spectrum Disorder course within 3 months of hire, and complete the state-mandated Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate, subject to state funding.

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 complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Complete the online Autism Spectrum Disorder course within 3 months of hire.
Complete Right Response training and qualification within 3–5 months of hire, with annual renewal before expiration.
Complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
Demonstrate reading, writing, and communication skills and knowledge of basic subjects such as reading and math.
Be able to work warmly and confidently with students; organize activities; follow and give instructions; and work fairly and consistently.
Be able to learn and apply behavior-management and instructional techniques and understand behavior and learning disorders and student safety procedures.
Remain flexible and calm when assignments or schedules change or students become agitated; diffuse situations and resolve conflicts.
Be able to learn computer and software use for student instruction and recordkeeping, and learn to operate general office machines.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff; handle confidential information appropriately.
Complete fingerprinting and a background check.
Complete training in and comply with the district infection-control plan.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs.
Knowledge or experience in non-violent crisis intervention, PECS, visual schedules 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 with moderate to severe disabilities individually or in small groups, and encourage progress toward educational objectives established by certificated staff.
Assist with objective tests and other measurements of student learning.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and adapt methods to student needs; consult on remediation and enrichment activities.
Maintain student assessment records, logs, charts, assignments, and related documentation.
Attend to student physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and potentially harmful behaviors, and maintain discipline under established procedures.
Assist with toileting, catheterization when needed, diapering, personal hygiene, and washing, grooming, or showering.
Support interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, social eating skills, basic living skills, and pre-vocational activities.
Develop students’ communication skills and facilitate integration with age-group peers when possible.
Maintain effective communication with students, staff, and parents concerning student progress and safety.
Physically assist students, including lifting and positioning; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document procedures established by physical therapists.
Monitor first-aid needs and refer students for treatment when appropriate.
Clean and maintain classroom areas, implements, and equipment, including washing dishes and laundering items.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify instructional materials and enrichment activities under certificated staff direction.
Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials; operate office equipment.
Maintain classroom areas, therapeutic equipment, and supplies.
Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and follow district ethical guidelines.
Perform related duties within the scope and intent of the position.