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 fourth-grade male student with a disability during school activities and day-to-day needs throughout the school day. The position also assists a certificated teacher with instructional and non-instructional activities for the assigned student and, as time permits, other students in the classroom. The role is based at Birney Elementary and is scheduled for 6 hours of work plus a 30-minute duty-free lunch period, for a total of 7 hours on campus. It is a 0.8125 FTE, 10-month position with 183 workdays. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The role 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 completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training. Salary level PA4 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 position offers the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools. It is covered by the Education Support Professional union and has 183 workdays per year.

Requirements

Associate degree, 72 credit hours of post-secondary education, or passing the 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 education, training, and experience meeting federal and state requirements.
CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to be trained within the first 90 days of employment.
Attend District restraint training and maintain certification.
Fingerprinting and successful Washington State Patrol and FBI background clearance, including sexual misconduct clearance.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate and work effectively and collegially with staff, community members, and students, including students with special needs.
Ability to obtain, clarify, and exchange information; organize and coordinate activities; and establish civil and collegial working relationships in a multicultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas and basic learning styles; and effective instructional methods for students with disabilities.
Knowledge of safe and proper methods of lifting and positioning students.
Ability to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, and lift to attend to students' physical needs; work in inclement weather; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds; and provide personal assistance, including feeding, diapering, and toileting.
Ability to be sensitive to students unable to communicate their needs and to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Nice To Haves

Basic sign language skills for designated positions.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one assistance to an assigned fourth-grade student with a disability during school activities and with day-to-day needs during the school day.
Assist a certificated teacher with instructional and non-instructional activities for the assigned student and other classroom students as time permits.
Attend to students' physical needs, which may include feeding, diapering, toileting, lifting, positioning, and other personal assistance.
Defuse student conflict, de-escalate situations, and appropriately restrain students as necessary.
Organize and coordinate activities and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and community members.
Complete required district training and maintain required certifications.