Para - SPED Life Skills - 20274440

Clover Park School District • Lakewood, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Paraeducator II assists teachers in implementing educational programs for special education students, under the general direction of the building administrator and specific direction of the classroom teacher. The assignment may be at the elementary or secondary level and may serve students who need small-group settings, have significant developmental delays, or receive life-skills and functional-academics instruction. Duties include providing assigned instruction, supporting behavior management, preparing classroom materials, and providing personal care such as lifting, toileting, washing, and feeding.

The role may also involve implementing trained medical interventions under the direction of licensed nursing staff, maintaining student records, supervising students in school and during outings, and supporting educational and vocational planning. Work takes place in regular school buildings throughout the district. The role is a 191-day work year, with a stated shift of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6.75 hours per day. Hourly wage range: $29.23–$32.73.

Requirements

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent (GED).
• Meet at least one qualifying paraeducator 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; have at least 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or complete a registered paraeducator apprenticeship.
• Two years of successful work experience with special education students.
• For approved assessments, meet the applicable passing scores: EST ParaPathways Reading and Writing 324 and Mathematics 325; ETS ParaPro 455 before August 31, 2026; Pearson Paraprofessional 220; or Master Teacher Inc. 65%. Passing scores are required on both 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 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.
• First Aid and CPR card.
• Complete the district-provided Fundamental Course of Study (FCS), except for positions excluded from that requirement; the listed exclusions are 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, ability to obtain and maintain installation access in compliance with the REAL ID Act and applicable access requirements.
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods, use fingers, hands, and arms, tolerate loud noises and physically demanding situations, and bend, stretch, twist, or reach when needed to address student safety.
• May be required to lift or move 25 to 50 pounds and assist students of greater weight when intervening for safety or transporting them.

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 with IEP preparation and monitor due-process timelines for reevaluations and IEPs under the special education teacher’s guidance.
• Help prepare and implement behavior-management techniques, educational and vocational instruction, and vocational placement programs.
• Provide instruction to students in large groups, small groups, or one-to-one as assigned and directed by the special education teacher.
• Assist students with hygiene and personal care, including lifting, toileting, washing, and feeding.
• After appropriate training and under licensed nursing staff’s direction, prepare or provide medication and medical treatments, which may include catheterization, nasogastric feedings, suctioning, glucose checks or insulin injections, seizure management, and individualized emergency medical plans.
• Administer assessment instruments or assist the special education teacher with their administration.
• Prepare student, teacher, and parent materials, including typing, hand-drawing, reproducing, and collating materials.
• Maintain the class during the special education teacher’s absence.
• Supervise students during lunch, recess, bus transportation, assemblies, and movement to other building locations.
• Use computers and office equipment to 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.
• Transport or accompany students on field trips and other outings when assigned.
• Assist with profile development for education and vocational planning.
• Work with high-risk students who display significant behavior concerns related to their disabilities when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year may receive 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.
• Employees may participate in 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