Paraeducator Special Programs

Mount Vernon School District 320 • Mount Vernon, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator’s primary assignment is to work in a classroom with high-needs students who have significant cognitive needs and are identified by an Individualized Education Program. Programs may include Structured Learning Classroom (SLC), Intensive Learning Classroom (ILC), or Quest Program. The paraeducator works under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher and building principal and delivers lessons under the direction of the cooperating teacher.

This is a 180-day classified position in the PSE – I bargaining unit. The role supports students’ educational, social, behavioral, and personal care needs in classroom and non-academic settings. Employment is contingent upon criminal background clearance and verification of professional experience. Hourly rate placement depends on verification of related Washington public school experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• An associate degree or higher, two years of college (72 quarter credits), or ability to meet state-determined performance standards in reading, math, and writing through the Parapro assessment.
• Interest in working with students with disabilities.
• Ability to operate a basic computer or Chromebook, including Google applications.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work with students and adults from various backgrounds.
• Organizational skills and flexibility to respond to changing student needs.
• Ability to function calmly, efficiently, and courteously under stress.
• Ability to exercise careful judgment, confidentiality, and tact.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and work independently.
• Professional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Valid First Aid certificate and CPR training, or ability to obtain them.
• Compliance with district policies and the code of professional conduct.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rates, ratios, and percentages; and draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Criminal background clearance.
• Professional experience verification.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with significantly impacted school-age students.
• Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish; this may be required.
• Right Response Certification or equivalent, or ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Support students’ educational needs in and away from the classroom.
• Assist with implementing social skills and behavioral programs and support positive behavior management.
• Prepare classroom materials under teacher supervision and maintain accurate records of student progress in intensive classroom settings.
• Deliver lessons relevant to students’ goals and objectives under the cooperating teacher’s direction, demonstrating flexibility.
• Work collaboratively with students and other professionals in general education settings.
• Supervise Special Program students in non-academic settings, such as the playground and bus duty.
• Support students with individual personal needs, including toileting, personal care, and escalated behavioral management, as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Maintain consistent attendance at the assigned worksite and regular work hours specified under contract.
• Comply with district policies and the code of professional conduct.

Benefits

• SEBB medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD coverage if anticipated to reach 630 hours in the school year.
• Retirement eligibility based on working 3.50 hours per day or more for five or more consecutive months.
• Optional tax-sheltered annuities through Omni 403(b) and the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Personal leave prorated based on FTE.
• Vacation leave for 260-day employees, prorated based on FTE.
• Sick leave prorated based on FTE.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED