Paraeducator - Autism Classroom (1:1)

West Valley School District #363 • Spokane Valley, WA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator provides evidence-based support to a student with autism in a 1:1 capacity, addressing areas identified in the student's evaluation and annual IEP review. The role is specialized and requires ongoing training within an MTSS model, frequent review of student goals, and monitoring of student growth. It involves flexibility and communication, including coordination with multiple adults who may support the student each day.

The position is located at Orchard Center Elementary and is scheduled for 6 hours per day, 191 days per year. It is an hourly, union-represented position under the SNAP (PSE) agreement. Salary is based on Level 2 of the Paraeducator SNAP Salary Schedule, with placement dependent on experience, and is annualized over 12 months. The position reports to the Building Principal.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, and one of the following: an Associate of Arts degree or higher; 72 quarter credits (48 semester credits) from an accredited college; or passing an academically rigorous assessment.
• Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform the listed responsibilities.
• High moral and ethical standards.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with staff, students, and families and contribute to a positive culture.
• Mature behavior and sound judgment when working with parents, students, staff, and the community.
• Interest in working with vulnerable students with a broad range of disabilities.
• Ability to follow directions, carry out routines, and implement interventions as directed by certificated staff or supervisors.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative with minimal oversight.
• Ability to interact with and instruct students using school technology.
• Adequate health and physical strength to assist with student mobility and relocation.
• Basic communication proficiency and ability to see, hear, and listen to teachers and students throughout classroom or school settings to supervise and maintain a safe environment.
• Ability to meet physical demands, including kneeling, bending, working or sitting on the floor with students, and running after students when their needs require it.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint clearance.
• Completion of all district-required training within 30 calendar days of hire.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch; reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally; hear and speak to exchange information; see to monitor student activities and behavior; use hand and finger dexterity to demonstrate activities and prepare materials; and walk in classroom and outdoor environments.

Nice To Haves

• Computer experience, particularly with Google Suite.
• Previous experience working with autistic students and/or students with behavioral needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop positive, professional relationships with students that build trust and confidence.
• Provide secondary instructional support in the classroom under teacher supervision.
• Work with students individually or in groups to reinforce material or skills introduced by the teacher.
• Help teachers develop strategies for reinforcing learning based on students' individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• Assist with classroom setup and prepare materials for specialized instructional activities.
• Observe and use techniques and strategies employed by special education teachers and therapists.
• Assist with data collection prescribed by the school-based team and based on IEP goals.
• Operate and care for classroom equipment used for instructional purposes.
• Follow appropriate protocols when reporting student incidents or behavior to the immediate supervisor.
• Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality of student information.
• Participate in assigned professional development and training programs.
• Collaborate with the classroom teacher on student assessments linked to learning standards.
• Assist students with physical needs, including toileting, feeding, mobility, and communication.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through SEBB.
• Regular, non-substitute employees are enrolled in a state retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Regular, non-substitute employees receive 12 sick leave days, prorated based on FTE, and paid time off.
• Regular, non-substitute employees receive paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave, depending on position and work year.
• Classified employees receive 10–13 paid holidays, depending on position and work year.
• Employees may be eligible for VEBA, including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion.

What This Job Offers

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