Special Education Education Support Professional 1:1 Access - Mt Tahoma

Tacoma Public Schools•Mount Tahoma High 4634 S. 74th St., WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring an Education Support Professional to provide one-on-one support to an assigned 12th-grade student with a disability at Mt Tahoma, assisting with school activities and day-to-day needs. The employee also assists a certificated teacher with instructional and non-instructional activities for the assigned student and, as time permits, other classroom students. The role supports students with a broad range of disabilities and may involve academic interventions, activities of daily living, personal care, behavioral support, and use of adaptive equipment. The position is 0.8125 FTE, with 6.5 work hours per day plus a 30-minute duty-free lunch period, for seven hours on campus. It is a 10-month position with 183 workdays. The anticipated start is as soon as possible. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. District-provided Fundamental Course of Study training consists of 28 hours: the first two days must be completed within four months of hire, and the second two days within six months of hire or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is earned after completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training. Pay is listed as $29.50 for applicants without a degree, $30.25 with an associate degree, and $30.50 with a bachelor’s degree or higher. The job offers the full range of benefits provided by Tacoma Public Schools.

Requirements

Associate degree, 72 post-secondary credit hours, or a passing state test demonstrating knowledge; demonstrated ability to assist in instructing students; and one year of experience working with individuals with special needs who may have severe disabilities, or an equivalent combination of experience and training meeting federal and state requirements.
Complete the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate and district-provided Fundamental Course of Study training within the stated deadlines.
CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to complete training within the first 90 days of employment.
Attend district restraint training and maintain certification.
Complete cleansing intermittent catheterization training if required for the assignment.
Pass fingerprinting and Washington State Patrol and FBI background checks, including sexual misconduct clearance.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; effective instructional methods for students with disabilities; and safe lifting and positioning methods.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, defuse conflict, de-escalate situations, communicate and work effectively with students and colleagues, organize activities, and provide feeding, diapering, toileting, and other personal assistance.
Ability to perform physical tasks including walking, sitting, squatting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting; work in inclement weather; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds; and appropriately restrain students when necessary.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, civil, and collegial working relationships in a multicultural, diverse socioeconomic setting and demonstrate reliable attendance.

Nice To Haves

Basic sign language skills for designated positions.

Responsibilities

Provide individual or small-group instruction and assigned learning activities under a teacher’s direction, and support students with sensory or physical disabilities.
Support students’ self-care and activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, personal hygiene, medication administration when assigned and trained, and support during physical emergencies.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in restrooms or locker rooms, while boarding or leaving buses, and during other school activities.
Record student progress and maintain data sheets, logs, reports, and student records, including information related to IEP goals, behavioral plans, grooming plans, and academic progress.
Communicate with teachers, program administrators, school staff, and parents or guardians as assigned; provide student information at department meetings and raise concerns with appropriate staff.
Monitor student safety, assist with positioning and mobility, and carry out therapy activities as directed by specialists.
Prepare and serve student lunches or snacks and clean dishes, utensils, and eating areas as needed.
Model and teach appropriate behavior, support conflict resolution, implement discipline under district guidelines, and assist with classroom management.
Help adapt materials and activities, administer standardized tests as assigned, use specialized teaching techniques and adaptive equipment, and support students in general education classes, field trips, camps, or off-site jobs as assigned.
Use, adapt, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized adaptive equipment and computer equipment or software for students with disabilities.
Assist with classroom clerical work, paperwork, and material duplication; supervise students during a teacher’s brief breaks; and perform other assigned duties, including work in other classrooms as needed.
Maintain regular, reliable attendance and comply with district conduct and attendance policies.