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 individual and 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 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. The position is paid under PSE Salary Schedule Level 5 at $25.40, as listed in the 2026–27 schedule. The hire date is subject to School Board approval and may change. The employee must complete Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire and renew the certification annually before it expires. The employee must also 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 paraeducator reports to the school principal or an assigned administrator and receives guidance from certificated staff. The work may involve frequent interruptions, varied student behaviors and abilities, and students with physical or emotional disabilities. Physical conditions may include exposure to infectious diseases, noise, bodily fluids, biting behavior, lifting and positioning students and equipment, working in non-routine positions, personal hygiene assistance, and outdoor playground supervision in inclement weather.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least 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 successfully complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
Complete Right Response Training and obtain the required qualifications within 3–5 months of hire; renew Right Response certification annually before expiration.
Complete fingerprinting and a background check to determine there are no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan.
Demonstrate reading, writing, and communication skills and knowledge of basic subject areas such as reading and math.
Be able to work warmly and confidently with students; organize activities; follow and give instructions; and remain fair, consistent, flexible, and calm when assignments or schedules change or a student becomes agitated.
Be able to learn and apply behavior-management and instructional techniques, understand a variety of behavior and learning disorders and student safety procedures, and diffuse situations and resolve conflicts.
Be able to learn computer and software use for student instruction and record keeping, as well as general office equipment.
Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff and handle confidential information appropriately.
For Title One and Title One School-wide Special Education positions, meet the stated federal education requirement: an associate degree, proof of completion of the Washington State Paraeducator Assessment, or two years of higher education.

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; the needs of students on the autism spectrum; and sensory processing.
Completion of the Autism Spectrum Disorder course.
First aid and CPR certification, which may be required.

Responsibilities

Instruct students with moderate to severe disabilities individually or in small groups, supporting learning activities and educational objectives established by certificated staff.
Assist with objective tests and other measures of student learning.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and adapt methods to student needs; consult about remediation and enrichment activities.
Maintain student records, logs, charts, assignments, and other progress-assessment materials.
Attend to students’ physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and potentially harmful behaviors, and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures.
Assist with toileting, including catheterization and diapering when needed, and attend to students’ personal hygiene.
Assist students with interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, and the social aspects of eating.
Support students’ basic living skills, pre-vocational activities, and communication development, and facilitate integration with age-group peers where possible.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents regarding student progress and safety and community relations.
Lift or position students, use adaptive communication equipment, and follow and document procedures established by physical therapists.
Monitor students’ first-aid needs and refer them for treatment as appropriate.
Maintain classroom, materials, and equipment cleanliness and hygiene, including washing dishes and laundering items such as clothes, towels, washcloths, and bibs.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials and activities for student use under certificated staff direction; prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials.
Operate office equipment and maintain classroom areas, therapeutic equipment, and assigned 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.