Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream SpEd FOSS 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 communication, and behavior supervision. Duties may include personal care, toileting, feeding, 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 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 within 3–5 months of hire and successfully complete the state-mandated Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate requirements, subject to state funding. Renewal of Right Response certification is required annually before expiration. The position reports to the school principal or assigned administrator and receives guidance from certificated staff. Hiring is subject to School Board approval. Fingerprinting and a background check are required.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must meet one federal minimum 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.
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 within 3–5 months of hire and renew the certification annually before it expires.
Must complete fingerprinting and a background check to determine 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.
Ability to read, write, and communicate; knowledge of basic subjects such as reading and math; and ability to follow and give instructions.
Ability to work warmly, fairly, and consistently with students; organize activities; remain flexible and calm when schedules change or students become agitated; and establish effective working relationships with students and staff.
Ability to learn and implement behavior-management and instructional techniques, diffuse situations, and resolve conflicts; knowledge of student safety rules and procedures and of behavior and learning disorders.
Ability to learn to use computers and software for student instruction and record keeping, as well as general office machines; some confidentiality is required.
Must be able to perform the physical and care-related duties described, including lifting or positioning students and attending to personal hygiene needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs is preferred.
Training or knowledge in non-violent crisis intervention, PECS, visual schedule systems and visual supports, Social Stories, universal precautions, toilet teaching for special needs, child development, autism-spectrum needs, and sensory processing.
Completion of an Autism Spectrum Disorder course.
May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

Instruct moderately to severely handicapped students individually or in small groups, reinforcing educational objectives defined by certificated staff and assisting with tests or other assessments.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and adapt methods to student needs; consult on remediation or enrichment activities.
Assist with maintaining student progress records, logs, charts, assignments, and other assessment records.
Attend to students’ physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and behavior, and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures.
Assist with toileting, personal hygiene, hand and face washing, tooth and hair brushing, and showers; toileting may include catheterization and diapering.
Support interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, social aspects of eating, basic living skills, pre-vocational activities, and communication development.
Facilitate integration with age-group peers to the extent possible and maintain effective communication with students, staff, and parents concerning progress and safety.
Provide physical assistance, including lifting or positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document procedures established by physical therapists.
Monitor first-aid needs and refer students for treatment as appropriate.
Maintain classroom, equipment, and implements; clean and disinfect surfaces, wash dishes, and launder items such as clothes, towels, washcloths, and bibs.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials and prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials under certificated staff direction.
Maintain assigned areas, assemble and store therapeutic and other equipment, and maintain supplies.
May serve on district committees or departmental work teams; model cooperative behavior and protect confidential information.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.