Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream Special Education - Structured Program Support

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This 1:1 instructional paraeducator position supports 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, and student behavior supervision. Duties may include personal care, toileting, feeding, communication development, and academic or pre-academic instruction. Assignment and/or location may change based on student 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 following year until certification is completed. Pay is $25.40 at PSE Salary Schedule Level 5. The hire date is subject to School Board approval and may change. The employee must complete Right Response Training and qualification within 3–5 months of hire, renew the certification annually before expiration, complete an online Autism Spectrum Disorder course within 3 months of hire, and successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, which is dependent on state funding. The position requires fingerprinting and a background check. 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.

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 offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
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 be fair and consistent.
Be able to learn and implement effective behavior-management and instructional techniques and understand a variety of behavior and learning disorders and student safety procedures.
Remain flexible and calm when assignments or schedules change or a student becomes agitated; be able to diffuse situations and resolve conflicts.
Be able to learn computers, student-instruction and record-keeping software, and general office machines.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff and handle confidential information appropriately.
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.
Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program.
Complete district infection-control training and adhere to the infection control plan.
Submit to fingerprinting and a background check concerning convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs.
Knowledge or experience in nonviolent 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.

Responsibilities

Instruct students individually or in small groups in learning activities, supporting educational objectives and assisting with tests or other measurements.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and adapt methods to student needs; consult on remediation or enrichment activities.
Assist with maintaining records, logs, charts, assignments, and other student progress documentation.
Attend to students’ physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and potentially harmful behaviors, and maintain discipline according to established procedures.
Assist with toileting and personal hygiene, including catheterization or diapering when needed, and help students with washing and grooming.
Support students’ interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, social aspects of eating, basic living skills, pre-vocational activities, and communication development.
Facilitate students’ integration with age-group peers when possible and communicate with students, staff, and parents about student progress and safety.
Provide physical assistance, including lifting or positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document physical-therapy procedures.
Monitor first-aid needs and refer students for treatment as appropriate.
Maintain classroom, equipment, and materials cleanliness and hygiene, including washing dishes and laundering items.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, and modify materials and activities under certificated staff direction; prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials.
Maintain classroom areas, therapeutic equipment, and supplies; operate office equipment as needed.
Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and perform related duties within the scope of the position.