Special Education Support Professional ACCESS 1:1 - Gray Middle School

Tacoma Public Schools•Gray Middle 6229 S. Tyler St., WA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring a Special Education Support Professional to provide one-on-one assistance to an assigned student with a disability throughout school activities and day-to-day needs. The role also assists a certificated teacher with instructional and non-instructional activities for the assigned student and, as time permits, other classroom students. The position is at Gray Middle School, is 0.8125 FTE, and works 6.5 hours per day for 183 workdays over 10 months. The expected start date is October 2026. Pay is listed by education level: $27.56 for no degree, $28.31 for an associate degree, and $28.56 for a bachelor’s degree or higher. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. District-provided Fundamental Course of Study training consists of 28 hours, with the first two training days due 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 Paraeducator Certificate is earned by completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training. The role supports students with a broad range of disabilities, including medical, orthopedic, developmental, physical, and behavioral needs. Duties may include academic interventions, personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, student supervision, data collection, behavior support, and use of adaptive equipment. Work may involve exposure to bodily fluids, infectious disease, high noise levels, inclement weather, and distressed or potentially violent situations. The position may require prolonged confinement to a work area, travel to other district sites, and lifting, carrying, and moving students or materials.

Requirements

Associate degree, 72 credit hours of post-secondary education, or a passing state test demonstrating knowledge; relevant demonstrated ability and experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that meets federal and state requirements.
One year of experience working with individuals with special needs who may have severe disabilities, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and skills.
Demonstrated ability to assist in instructing students.
Complete the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate and required district Fundamental Course of Study training according to 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.
Pass fingerprinting and WSP and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; effective instructional methods for students with disabilities; and safe methods of lifting and positioning students.
Knowledge of basic sign language skills for designated positions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, obtain and exchange information, and communicate and work effectively and collegially with students, staff, and the community.
Ability to defuse student conflict, de-escalate situations, and appropriately restrain students as necessary.
Ability to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, and lift to attend to students’ physical needs; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in inclement weather and provide feeding, diapering, toileting, and other personal assistance to students.
Ability to organize and coordinate activities, understand students who may be unable to communicate their needs, and establish civil and collegial relationships in a multicultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.
Demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Responsibilities

Provide individual or small-group instruction and support in assigned learning activities under teacher direction, including implementing activities assigned by specialists.
Assist students with sensory or physical disabilities and promote a safe environment conducive to instruction.
Provide vocational training and support with job-hunting skills and applications as assigned.
Assist with self-care and activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, hygiene, specialized feeding, and other personal care.
Support students during seizures and other physical emergencies; use sensory stimulation and adaptive equipment; administer and log medications when assigned and appropriately trained.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in locker rooms and restrooms, and while loading or unloading buses; provide transportation or movement assistance around school premises as needed.
Record student progress and maintain daily logs, reports, student records, and data related to IEP goals, behavioral plans, grooming plans, and academic progress.
Communicate and coordinate with classroom teachers, program administrators, other school staff, parents or guardians as assigned, and therapy staff.
Adjust the position of students with physical disabilities as needed and implement occupational or physical therapy activities as instructed by specialists.
Use basic sign language with students as needed and monitor students to ensure safety.
Prepare and serve student lunches and snacks and clean eating areas and utensils as needed.
Model appropriate behavior, address inappropriate behavior, teach conflict resolution as directed, administer discipline according to district guidelines, and assist with classroom management.
Assist teachers in adapting materials and activities, administering standardized tests, arranging classrooms, and using specialized teaching techniques, software, and adaptive equipment.
Accompany and supervise students on field trips, camp activities, off-site jobs, and in general education classes as assigned.
Participate in department staff meetings and provide information about students.
Use, adapt, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized adaptive equipment and computer equipment or software; coordinate student computer activities and equipment scheduling as assigned.
Maintain reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance and follow district rules concerning tardiness and unauthorized absences.
Raise concerns with appropriate teaching staff, therapy staff, or building administrators.
Provide classroom clerical support, duplicate materials, complete paperwork, and supervise students during brief teacher breaks as assigned.
Complete specialized duties after required training, which may include intermittent catheterization and physical restraint of a student when needed to prevent harm.
Perform related duties temporarily as assigned and work in more than one classroom when directed.