Para - SPED 1:1 - 20275217

Clover Park School District • Lakewood, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education 1:1 Para works under the general direction of the building administrator and the specific direction of the special education teacher. The role supports students with unique needs in working toward special education program goals and objectives when individual accommodations alone are insufficient. Assignments may be at the elementary or secondary level and may involve students with significant emotional, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities. Duties include assigned instruction, behavior management, preparing student materials, and providing primary care, including lifting, toileting, washing, medical interventions, and feeding.

The position is classified as Special Education Paraeducator II, E-2, and has a 191-day work year. The posted schedule is 6.75 hours per day, 8:45 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; shifts are subject to change. The hourly wage range is $29.23–$32.73. Employment is conditional on completing required state and federal fingerprint background checks before the first day of employment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent (GED).
• Meet at least one qualifying education or assessment pathway: pass an assessment approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board; hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; earn at least 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or complete a paraeducator apprenticeship registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Two years of successful work experience with special education students.
• For approved assessments, meet the applicable passing score: EST ParaPathways Reading and Writing subtest score of at least 324 and Mathematics subtest score of at least 325; ETS ParaPro score of at least 455 before August 31, 2026; Pearson Paraprofessional score of at least 220; or Master Teacher Inc. score of at least 65%. A passing score is required on each of the two assessments for certification.
• Knowledge of classroom and behavior-management techniques, special education terminology, lifting, toileting and feeding techniques, restraint techniques, and verbal de-escalation.
• Ability to work independently and learn operations, procedures, processes, and equipment use.
• Skill in handling, storing, and transmitting confidential information in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and knowledge of proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to communicate and interact clearly, concisely, courteously, and respectfully with students, families, volunteers, teachers, and other staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adjust to new and different working conditions.
• Ability to learn and implement medical intervention techniques under the direction of a knowledgeable professional.
• Fingerprinting and background check.
• Current First Aid and CPR card.
• Complete the district-provided Fundamental Course of Study (FCS), except for positions identified as exempt in the posting: Bus Para, In School Suspension Para, Library Para, and Preschool Para.
• Complete Right Response training within 90 days of hire.
• For positions located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, obtain and maintain access to JBLM in compliance with the REAL ID Act and applicable installation access requirements.
• Complete Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint background checks before the first day of employment; associated fees are the employee’s responsibility.

Nice To Haves

• College credits with a major in education, psychology, counseling, behavior intervention, or social work.
• Three or more years of special education paraeducator experience in a public-school setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with hygiene and personal care, including suctioning, lifting, toileting, washing, and feeding, including G-tube feeding.
• Prepare and provide interventions and medication under the direction of a knowledgeable professional.
• Assist students with transportation and accompany them during transition activities.
• Assist in managing high-risk students who are severely emotionally disturbed and/or dangerous.
• Help prepare and implement behavior-management techniques, educational and vocational instruction, and vocational placement programs.
• Assist the classroom teacher with IEP preparation and monitor due-process timelines for reevaluations and IEPs under the special education teacher’s guidance.
• Provide incidental instruction to students in large or small groups while remaining primarily responsible for assigned students under the special education teacher’s direction.
• Administer assessment instruments or assist the special education teacher with their administration.
• Prepare materials for students, teachers, and parents, including typing, hand-drawing, reproducing, and collating materials.
• Maintain the class during the special education teacher’s absence.
• Supervise students during lunch, recess, on and off the bus, at assemblies, and while moving to other building locations.
• Use computers, office equipment, and student assistive technology devices; enter data and produce correspondence and reports.
• Maintain student records and files under the special education teacher’s direction, including FTE counts, month-end reports, schedules, attendance, credits earned, and graduation requirements.
• Monitor three-year evaluations for state compliance, when assigned.
• Assist with developing profiles for education and vocational planning, when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year may receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance.
• Eligible employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement System plan.
• Employees may participate in tax-deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan savings programs.

What This Job Offers

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