Special Education Support Professional RISE - Roosevelt Elementary

Tacoma Public Schools•Roosevelt Elementary - 3550 E. Roosevelt Ave., WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring a Special Education Support Professional for the RISE program at Roosevelt Elementary. The role assists a certificated teacher with instruction and personal care for students with a broad range of disabilities, including medical, physical, developmental, sensory, and behavioral needs. It provides academic interventions and may involve supporting activities of daily living. The position is 7 hours of work per day, plus a 30-minute duty-free lunch period, for 7.5 hours on campus. It is a 10-month position with 183 work days. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible. Salary is based on documented experience as an Education Support Professional or Para Professional in Washington State public school districts, with listed rates of $29.50 for 72 college-level credits or passing the Para Pro Test, $30.25 for an associate degree, and $30.50 for a bachelor's degree or higher. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. Employees must complete 28 hours of district-provided Fundamental Course of Study training, with the first two days 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 by completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training. The position also requires CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to train within the first 90 days, district restraint training and certification, and background clearances. Cleansing intermittent catheterization training may be required. The work may involve prolonged confinement to a work area; lifting or moving students or materials; exposure to bodily fluids, infectious disease, high noise levels, inclement weather, and potentially violent or distressing situations; and regular travel to other district sites. Physical activities may include lifting up to 25 pounds, bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, twisting, climbing, and remaining mobile. 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 the state test demonstrating knowledge; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by Human Resources.
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 that meets federal and state requirements.
Complete the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate and the required 28 hours of district-provided Fundamental Course of Study training within the specified deadlines.
CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to be trained within the first 90 days of employment.
Attend district restraint training and maintain certification.
Successfully complete fingerprinting and Washington State Patrol, FBI, and sexual misconduct background clearances.
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, or physical disabilities; assigned subject areas; basic learning styles; effective instructional methods for students with disabilities; and safe lifting and positioning methods.
Maintain confidentiality; communicate and work effectively and collegially with staff, students, and the community; obtain, clarify, and exchange information; de-escalate conflict; organize and coordinate activities; and establish civil working relationships in a multicultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.
Ability to attend to students' physical needs, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and other personal assistance; respond sensitively to students who cannot communicate their needs; and appropriately restrain students as necessary.
Ability to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, and lift; work in inclement weather; lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds; and maintain reliable attendance.

Nice To Haves

Basic sign language skills for designated positions.
Cleansing intermittent catheterization training, if required for assignment.

Responsibilities

Provide individual or small-group instruction and support learning activities as directed by teachers or specialists, including vocational training and support for students with sensory or physical disabilities.
Support students with self-care and activities of daily living, which may include feeding, dressing, toileting, diapering, grooming, medication administration as assigned and trained, and other personal care.
Help protect and monitor students during seizures and other emergencies; use sensory stimulation activities and adaptive equipment; and provide physical or behavioral support as needed.
Supervise students during recess, lunch, in restrooms or locker rooms, and during transitions; assist with bus loading and unloading and transport students around school premises as needed.
Record student progress and other information in data sheets, logs, reports, and records, including data related to IEP goals, behavioral plans, grooming plans, and academic progress.
Communicate with classroom teachers, program administrators, other school staff, and parents or guardians as assigned; assist with student assessment as needed.
Adjust students' positions as needed and implement occupational or physical therapy activities as instructed by specialists; use or teach basic sign language when needed.
Prepare and serve student lunches or snacks and clean dishes, utensils, and eating areas as needed.
Model appropriate behavior, address inappropriate behavior, support conflict resolution, follow district discipline guidelines, and assist with classroom management.
Help adapt instructional materials and activities, administer standardized tests as assigned, use specialized teaching techniques and software, arrange classroom materials, and accompany or supervise students on field trips, camp activities, off-site jobs, or general education classes as assigned.
Participate in department staff meetings and provide information about students.
Use, adapt, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized equipment and software, and help coordinate and schedule student access to equipment.
Maintain reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance and follow district policies on tardiness and unauthorized absences.
Raise concerns with appropriate teaching staff, therapy staff, or building administrators.
After required training, may perform cleansing intermittent catheterizations or physical restraint when a student poses a danger to self or others.
Provide classroom clerical assistance, duplicate materials, complete paperwork, supervise students during brief teacher breaks, and perform related duties or work in other classrooms as assigned.