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 demonstrate 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 position works under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher and building principal and is located at Washington Elementary School. The role is classified staff in a nonsupervisory bargaining unit, with union shop requirements and the Collective Bargaining Agreement applying.

The position is scheduled for 180 days at 6.5 hours per day. The employee supports students’ educational needs in and away from the classroom, assists with social skills and behavioral programs, prepares classroom materials, maintains student progress records, and delivers lessons aligned with student goals under the cooperating teacher’s direction. The role also involves collaboration with students and other professionals in general education settings, supervision in nonacademic settings, and personal care or behavioral support as needed.

Employment is contingent on completion and verification of required forms, a background check (with the fee paid by the applicant), criminal background clearance, and professional experience verification. Hourly rate placement depends on verification of related Washington public school experience. Selection for interview is based on the complete application file; employment offers consider evaluations, discipline history, attendance, training and experience, references, and interview results.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• An associate’s 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 in a calm, efficient, and courteous manner under stress.
• Ability to exercise careful judgment, confidentiality, and tact in performing duties.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and work independently.
• Professional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Hold or be able to obtain a valid First Aid certificate and CPR training.
• Hold or be able to obtain Right Response Certification or equivalent.
• Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, including the stated mathematical skills: arithmetic with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; computing rates, ratios, and percentages; and drawing and interpreting bar graphs.
• Criminal background clearance and professional experience verification.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling, fine manipulation, and repetitive grasping and pushing or pulling; occasional stair or ladder climbing, overhead reaching, and lifting or carrying; lifting or carrying up to 5 pounds constantly, up to 10 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds occasionally; and occasional pushing or pulling with a maximum force of 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with significantly impacted school-age students.
• Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish; this may be required.
• Associate’s degree or higher, or two years of college, as an alternative to meeting state-determined performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Support students’ educational needs both within and away from the classroom.
• Assist in implementing social skills and behavioral programs, and interact with students to 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 direction of the cooperating teacher, demonstrating flexibility.
• Work collaboratively with students and other professionals in general education settings.
• Supervise Special Program students in nonacademic settings, such as on the playground or during bus duty.
• Support students with 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 eligibility if anticipated to reach 630 hours in the school year.
• Retirement eligibility for employees working at least 3.50 hours per day for five or more consecutive months.
• Optional tax-sheltered annuities through Omni 403(b) and the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Personal leave and sick leave prorated based on FTE.
• Vacation leave for 260-day employees only.

What This Job Offers

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