2026-27 Paraeducator - HSLS - Timberline High School

North Thurston Public Schools • Lacey, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator supports teachers and school staff in the instruction, supervision, and education of students with special needs. Depending on the assignment, the position may work with students individually or in small groups in special education or general education settings, helping students complete assigned work, stay engaged, and develop social and independent-living skills. The role may involve instructional support, student safety and supervision, personal care, health-related assistance authorized by staff, and implementation of behavioral, instructional, and therapy plans. The position works under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported and the direct supervision of the Principal, Principal Designee, or District Designee. Teachers and educational staff associates provide specific directions and oversight.

The position is assigned to Timberline High School for the 2026–2027 school year and is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, and 189 days per year. The district seeks someone experienced in working with culturally diverse families and communities, committed to strengthening community engagement and communication, and able to work collaboratively while protecting student confidentiality. This is a non-exempt, union position. Employees anticipated to work at least 630 hours during the school year are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and basic life insurance benefits. Eligible employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems plan and may participate in supplemental 403(b) and 457 plans.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• An associate degree, 72 quarter credits of college courses numbered 100 or above, or a passing ETS ParaPro test.
• May be required to obtain certification in first aid, CPR, and/or operation of defibrillators.
• May be required to complete training in instructional methodologies and special education topics, including restraint, safety, and medication.
• Successful experience working with culturally diverse families and communities, or demonstrated commitment to strengthening engagement with a diverse community and skill communicating with diverse populations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing tasks and priorities.
• Ability to assist, console, and manage students who may be emotional, distraught, or frustrated, and to remain calm and focused in challenging interactions.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions, seek clarification, and take initiative when needed.
• Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, classroom management and student discipline procedures.
• Strong command of spoken and written English, including proper annunciation, spelling, syntax, and language usage to model for students.
• Ability to organize work and prioritize tasks to complete work in a timely and effective manner.
• Ability to protect confidential student information consistent with FERPA requirements and good judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill using office and computer equipment, standard office software, and student information system software.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience demonstrating the ability to work successfully with children in a learning environment; education beyond high school may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis, with 30 semester hours or a portion thereof considered one year or a portion thereof.
• Bilingual skills.
• Familiarity with, or willingness and ability to be trained in, inclusive strategies used to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, safe behavior, and students’ social growth in special education, general education, individual, or small-group settings.
• Provide instructional support and tutoring, help students complete assigned work, and keep students on task.
• Assist students with daily living tasks, which may include eating, dressing, toileting, diapering, and personal hygiene.
• Provide authorized health-related assistance, which may include colostomy care, catheterization, tube feeding, medication, dressing changes, oxygen, insulin, nebulizers, inhalers, and mobility aids.
• Teach independent-living skills such as cooking, laundry, hygiene, and cleanliness.
• Follow approved procedures to intervene or restrain students who may harm themselves or others, and take steps to address unsafe situations.
• Assist with physical and occupational therapy plans, including range of motion, mobility, and positioning activities.
• Escort or supervise students traveling to and from recess, playgrounds, buses, and other locations; the role may require riding a bus with students.
• Communicate respectfully and confidentially with students, parents, and community members in accordance with staff guidance and district policies.
• Supervise student safety during activities such as recess, bus duty, crossing guard duty, and hallway supervision.
• Implement visual supports and instructional-environment modifications to promote student engagement.
• Provide individualized social-skills and organizational instruction under the direction of certificated personnel.
• Use behavior management plans and communicate with teachers and certified staff to maintain consistent behavioral support.
• Listen to student concerns, use language appropriate to students’ understanding, observe body language, and use interpersonal skills to address sensitive situations or resolve conflicts.
• Supervise limited disciplinary measures, such as time-out, loss of recess, or removal from the classroom when a student disrupts learning.
• Document student behavior and help maintain student progress reports to assist teachers in assessing progress on education plans.
• Perform limited clerical duties, such as making copies, operating a fax machine, answering telephones, ordering supplies, and keeping records.
• Follow Board policies and remain current on policy updates and changes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and basic life insurance benefits.
• Eligible employees are required to participate in a Washington State Department of Retirement Systems plan.
• Eligible employees may participate in supplemental tax-deferred 403(b) and 457 deferred compensation plans.

What This Job Offers

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