Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream SpEd FOSS Program SUPPORT

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

5d•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 teaching students individually or in small groups, supporting basic life skills, and supervising student behavior. Duties may include personal care, toileting, feeding, communication development, and academic or pre-academic instruction. Assignment or location may change based on student-specific 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 four days in the first year and two days each following year until certification is completed. Pay is listed as PSE Salary Schedule Level 5 at $25.40. The employee must complete Right Response training and obtain qualifications within three to five months of hire, and renew the certification annually. The employee must also successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must satisfy at least one federal minimum employment qualification: pass the ParaPathways or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment; hold an associate degree or higher; have 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an accredited higher-education institution; complete a registered apprenticeship offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or successfully complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Must successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
Must complete Right Response training and obtain qualifications within three to five months of hire; renew the certification annually before it expires.
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 be fair and consistent.
Ability to learn and use effective behavior-management and instructional techniques, remain flexible and calm when schedules change or a student becomes agitated, and diffuse situations and resolve conflicts.
Knowledge of behavior and learning disorders and student safety rules and procedures.
Ability to learn computers and software used for student instruction and recordkeeping, and to learn general office machines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff; some confidentiality is required.
Fingerprinting and background check are required to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Must complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan.
Must be able to meet the position’s physical demands, including lifting and positioning students and equipment, attending to personal hygiene, and working in non-routine positions for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs is preferred.
Knowledge or experience in nonviolent crisis intervention, PECS, visual schedules and supports, Social Stories, universal precautions, and toilet teaching for students with special needs.
Understanding of child development, the needs of students on the autism spectrum, and sensory processing.
Completion of the Autism Spectrum Disorder course.
May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

Instruct students individually or in small groups in learning activities and reinforce educational objectives and goals established by certificated staff.
Assist with objective tests and other measurements of student learning.
Communicate student progress to certificated staff, adjust methods to student needs, and consult on remediation or enrichment activities.
Assist certificated staff with maintaining student progress records, logs, charts, assignments, and other documentation.
Attend to students’ physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and potentially harmful behaviors, and maintain discipline according to established procedures.
Assist students with toileting, catheterization, diapering, personal hygiene, hand and face washing, dental and hair care, and showers as needed.
Support interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, and social aspects of eating with others.
Help students develop basic living, pre-vocational, and communication skills, and facilitate integration with age-group peers where possible.
Communicate with students, staff, and parents concerning student progress and safety and community relations.
Provide physical assistance, including lifting and positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document procedures established by a physical therapist.
Monitor first-aid needs and refer students for treatment as appropriate.
Maintain classroom, implements, and equipment cleanliness and hygiene, including washing dishes and laundering clothing and linens.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, and modify materials for student use, enrichment activities, and special projects under certificated staff direction.
Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials; operate office equipment.
Maintain assigned areas and supplies, and assemble, maintain, and store therapeutic and other equipment.
May serve on district committees or departmental work teams; protect confidential information and model appropriate, cooperative behavior.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.