Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream SpEd FOSS Program SUPPORT

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

7h•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. Assignments or work locations may change based on student-specific needs and school enrollment. The position is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day for 168 days per year and 3.5 hours per day for 10 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 $25.40 under PSE Salary Schedule Level 5. The employee must complete Right Response Training and obtain the required qualifications within the stated 3–5 months of hire; certification renewal is required annually before expiration. The employee must also complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and the state General Paraeducator Certificate, subject to state funding. The position reports to the school principal or assigned administrator and receives guidance from certificated staff. Work may involve frequent interruptions, varied student behaviors and abilities, and students with physical or emotional disabilities. Physical demands may include lifting and positioning students and equipment, working in non-routine positions, attending to personal hygiene, exposure to noise, infectious diseases or bodily fluids, and outdoor playground supervision in inclement weather.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must meet 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 from an accredited higher-education institution; complete a registered apprenticeship program offered by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Must complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and the state General Paraeducator Certificate requirements, subject to state funding.
Must complete Right Response Training and receive qualifications within 3–5 months of hire; renewal is required annually before expiration.
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 and consistent.
Ability to learn and implement behavior-management and instructional techniques, remain flexible and calm when schedules change or students become 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 record keeping, as well as general office machines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff; some confidentiality is required.
Must undergo fingerprinting and a background check concerning convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Must complete district infection-control training and adhere to the infection control plan.
Ability to meet physical demands that may include lifting and positioning students and equipment, attending to personal hygiene, working in non-routine positions, and outdoor supervision in inclement weather.

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, and toilet teaching for students with special needs.
Understanding of child development, students on the autism spectrum, and sensory processing.
Completion of an Autism Spectrum Disorder course.
First aid and CPR certification may be required.
Hepatitis-B immunization is offered.

Responsibilities

Instruct students individually or in small groups in learning activities and encourage progress toward educational objectives set by certificated staff.
Assist with tests and other measurements of student learning.
Communicate student progress to certificated staff, adapt methods to student needs, and consult on remediation or enrichment activities.
Maintain records, logs, charts, assignments, and other student progress documentation.
Attend to students’ physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and behaviors that could cause harm, and maintain discipline according to established procedures.
Assist with toileting, personal hygiene, hand and face washing, tooth and hair brushing, and showering.
Help students develop interpersonal, personal, social, communication, basic living, and pre-vocational skills; assist with feeding and social aspects of eating.
Facilitate integration with age-group peers where possible and communicate with students, staff, and parents about student progress and safety.
Provide physical assistance, including lifting and positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document physical therapist 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 used by students.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify instructional materials and activities under certificated staff direction; prepare, copy, collate, and distribute materials.
Maintain assigned classroom areas, therapeutic equipment, and supplies; operate office equipment as needed.
Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and perform related duties consistent with the position.
Complete Right Response Training and required paraeducator certification coursework; renew Right Response certification annually before expiration.
Complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan.