Special Education Support Professional 1:1 SUCCESS - Birney Elementary

Tacoma Public Schools•Birney Elementary 1202 S. 76th St., WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring a Special Education Support Professional to provide one-on-one assistance to an assigned first-grade student with a disability throughout school activities and daily 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 position is 0.8125 FTE, with 6.5 work hours plus a 30-minute duty-free lunch period, for a total of seven hours on campus. It is a 10-month position with 183 workdays. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The role supports students with a broad range of disabilities, including medical, physical, developmental, and behavioral needs. Duties can include academic instruction and interventions, personal care, supervision, safety monitoring, recording progress toward IEP and other goals, classroom support, and use of adaptive equipment. Some duties depend on student needs and may require additional training. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. District-provided Fundamental Course of Study training totals 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 ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training. The listed salary is $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 credit hours of post-secondary education, or passing score on a state test demonstrating relevant knowledge; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be evaluated.
Demonstrated ability to assist in instructing students.
One year of experience working with individuals with special needs who may have severe disabilities, or an equivalent combination of experience and training meeting applicable federal and state requirements.
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.
Successful fingerprinting and Washington State Patrol and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; and effective instructional methods for students with disabilities.
Knowledge of safe lifting and student-positioning methods; basic sign language knowledge for designated positions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, communicate and collaborate effectively, obtain and exchange information, organize activities, and establish collegial working relationships in a diverse setting.
Ability to de-escalate student conflict, respond appropriately to student behavior, and provide personal care such as feeding, diapering, and toileting.
Ability to attend to students’ physical needs, including walking, sitting, squatting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting.
Ability to work in inclement weather and lift up to 25 pounds individually and up to 50 pounds with a team.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one assistance to an assigned student with a disability during school activities and with day-to-day needs.
Assist a certificated teacher with instructional and non-instructional activities for the assigned student and other classroom students as time permits.
Provide individual or small-group instruction and academic interventions as directed by teachers or specialists, and encourage participation in learning activities.
Assist with activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, personal hygiene, and other personal care.
Support students with physical, sensory, developmental, medical, or behavioral needs; monitor safety and respond to emergencies as trained and assigned.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in restrooms or locker rooms, during transportation transitions, and in other assigned settings.
Record student progress, behavior, and other information in data sheets, logs, reports, and student records, including progress toward IEP goals and behavioral or grooming plans.
Communicate and coordinate with classroom teachers, program administrators, school staff, therapists, and parents or guardians as assigned.
Assist with student positioning, sensory activities, adaptive physical education, and occupational or physical therapy activities as directed by specialists.
Prepare and serve student lunches or snacks and clean related dishes, utensils, and eating areas as needed.
Model appropriate behavior, support conflict resolution and classroom management, and administer discipline according to district guidelines.
Adapt instructional materials and activities as directed; assist with testing, classroom setup, field trips, camp activities, off-site jobs, and general education classes as assigned.
Participate in department staff meetings and provide information about students.
Use, adapt, maintain, and troubleshoot adaptive equipment and computer equipment or software as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and raise concerns with appropriate teaching staff, therapy staff, or building administrators.
Perform assigned clerical tasks, supervise students during brief teacher breaks, and carry out related temporary duties or assignments in other classrooms.
Complete required training and certifications, which may include CPR/First Aid, district restraint training, and catheterization training when required.