Paraeducator - Visually Impaired

Olympia School District • Olympia, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The job of "Paraeducator" is done for the purpose of assisting (under direct supervision) in the supervision and instruction of students, and relieving teachers of routine clerical tasks. This 6.0 hpd/continuing position works Monday to Friday, 180 days per year (plus 10 paid holidays). This position will be responsible for supporting students with IEPs/504s in individual and small group settings in academic classrooms such as Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies. Ability to provide accommodations and modifications to students as outlined in student IEPs/504s and in collaboration with the Teacher of the Visually Impaired. The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, AND when applicable successful completion of ONE of the following assessments - the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Parapro assessment or the Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program OR 72 quarter or 48 semester credits at an institution of higher education (official transcript is required), OR an Associate’s (or higher) degree (official transcript is required). Credits must be at 100 level or above.
• Prior job related experience paid or volunteer with school age children.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.
• Participate in all OSD required health-related trainings.
• First Aid and CPR Training may be required.
• Willingness to participate in appropriate training to gain necessary skills to perform this position, e.g. Type II License, Food Handlers Permit.
• Right Response Certification or willingness to obtain and maintain.
• Skills to perform basic clerical functions, perform basic arithmetic calculations, operate standard office equipment, use English in verbal and written form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Knowledge of principles of child development, instructional processes.
• Abilities to sit for prolonged periods, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain confidentiality of student records, meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies, rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations.
• Significant physical abilities include reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience working with high school students with learning disabilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of restorative practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers for the purpose of implementing lesson plans.
• Maintains classroom equipment, student’s files, records, etc. for the purpose of ensuring availability of items as may be required.
• Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs record keeping and basic clerical functions, scheduling, copying, etc. for the purpose of supporting the teacher in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials.
• Administers tests for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students’ progress.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Confers with teachers, parents and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students’ progress and/or implementing of students’ objectives.
• Participates in various meetings for the purpose of sharing information and/or improving one’s skills/knowledge.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits
• enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TERS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program.
• vacation leave, paid holidays and additional compensation beyond their base salary as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

What This Job Offers

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