Paraeducator - Vision (One Or More) @ Special Education, 7 Hrs, Cont.

Spokane Public Schools • Admin Building - Special Education - Spokane, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Spokane Public Schools is hiring a Vision Paraeducator to support students who are blind or visually impaired, classroom teachers, and classroom specialists. The role involves interpreting instruction, preparing and adapting learning materials, teaching braille and technology skills under certificated staff direction, and supporting students’ mobility, orientation, safety, social skills, and personal hygiene as needed. The paraeducator coordinates with vision specialists and district staff, attends meetings and conferences, and may travel among schools. This is a continuing role scheduled for 7 hours per day, normally 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The schedule may change based on program and district needs. The position is paid at Level 21 of the Educational Support Salary Schedule; experience increments depend on relevant experience in a permanent public-school position.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform the listed responsibilities.
• High school diploma or equivalent, plus 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits from an accredited college, an associate or bachelor's degree, or successful completion of an academically rigorous assessment.
• Complete Paraeducator Core Competencies within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated interest in working with students with disabilities.
• Ability to work effectively and confidentially with diverse students, teachers, parents, and administrators.
• Proficiency in basic communication skills.
• Reliable transportation that does not interfere with set schedules.
• Certification in literary braille transcription or demonstrated competency in reading and writing braille, as evaluated by Spokane Public Schools.

Nice To Haves

• Standardized braille testing.
• Successful previous experience working with people with visual impairments and/or multiple impairments.
• Competency in basic orientation and mobility skills (independent travel), as assessed by the district's orientation and mobility specialist.
• Competency in Nemeth Code.
• College-level studies in regular education and/or education of visually impaired or blind students.
• Ability to relate positively to youth and adults from varying socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist blind or visually impaired children, classroom teachers, and classroom specialists with work assignments.
• Interpret teacher instruction for students.
• Translate braille into print for classroom teachers, parents, and student helpers.
• Assist teachers with adapted and modified materials.
• Help students develop mobility and orientation skills in classrooms, playgrounds, lunchrooms, restrooms, buses, and other settings while ensuring their safety.
• Tutor students individually outside the classroom and train them in braille under the direction of certificated staff.
• Train students in social skills and personal hygiene when necessary.
• Prepare materials for students with visual impairments, including tactile materials and materials made with technological hardware and software.
• Collect classroom materials for specialists to prepare for visually impaired students.
• Coordinate with vision specialists and district staff who instruct or work with visually impaired students.
• Attend team meetings and conferences with parents and teachers, and share information with staff as requested.
• Travel by motor vehicle to multiple schools daily if necessary.
• Assist with teaching technology skills and the use of adaptive technological equipment, hardware, and software.
• Develop skills through relevant in-service training and workshops, and participate in program staff meetings and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage through the SEBB program for eligible employees.
• Vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays may be available in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Multiple medical plan options from providers such as Kaiser Permanente WA, Premera Blue Cross, and the Uniform Medical Plan.
• Vision and dental plan options, plus standard life and AD&D insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Optional employee-paid benefits, including the Dependent Care Assistance Program, supplemental life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, and a Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement.
• Free, confidential counseling, consultation, and referral services through the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and dependent family members.
• Participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems public pension plan, with lifetime pension or hybrid pension and investment plan options.
• Voluntary retirement savings options, including the DRS Deferred Compensation Program and a district 403(b) plan.

What This Job Offers

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