Special Program Para 2, ICSP 18335

Vancouver Public Schools • Vancouver, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Special Program Paraeducator 2 within the Integrated Communication & Sensory Program. The role involves working 6.5 hours per day for 9 months per year. The position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) reviews all applications and may invite the most qualified candidates for an interview. The selection process includes confidential reference checks and a criminal background investigation. Applicants are encouraged to include detailed information about their education, relevant experience, training, and skills in their résumés. Internal applicants need official transcripts on file or submitted with the application. External applicants must submit official transcripts or ETS ParaPro Assessment results.

Requirements

• Documentation verifying a high school diploma or GED.
• Official transcripts verifying an Associate’s degree (90 quarter, 60 semester) OR 72 quarter or 48 semester credits from an accredited university, college, community college or business school; OR ETS ParaPro Assessment result of 461 or higher.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and appreciate individuals from diverse, socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to act upon evasive and aggressive behavior of students.
• Ability to attend mandatory training on the weekends and successfully pass the district CPI, de-escalation/physical restraint training.
• Ability to learn and use a computer monitor, keyboard, and appropriate adaptive technologies.
• Ability to successfully implement educational programs and manage student behavior with direction from the classroom and Supported Communication teacher(s).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be flexible with assigned tasks and schedules.
• Ability to develop relationships and supportive roles with children who possess mental or physical disabilities.
• Ability to use non-verbal strategies to communicate with, re-direct, and de-escalate student behavior.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to lift, move, physically restrain a child of the size required by the job.
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building and grounds.
• Ability to observe the behavior of students, both visually and by listening and to communicate those observations with other appropriate service providers.
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements.
• Treat co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times.

Nice To Haves

• One year of related experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Successful experience as part of an educational team.
• Experience which demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and skills in working effectively in a team environment, providing support to achieve the desired goal(s) for the classroom and/or program area.
• Possess excellent problem solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills and ability to think quickly.
• Experience working with children with moderated to severe disabilities.
• Have a desire to commit to these students and this program.
• Exhibit willingness to learn about the disability of autism and put the information into practice.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model for students.
• Work in a flexible and cooperative manner.
• Work as a team member to assist the teacher in implementing and evaluating goals and objectives on individual student IEPs.
• Participate in team meetings to provide observational input or acquire information pertinent to the position.
• Monitor and collect data as directed by the teacher.
• Work in concert with the Special Education teacher to ensure students receive academic support, sensory integration, occupational and speech/language support throughout the day.
• Provide mainstream support when appropriate.
• Assist students with self-regulation during class activities in small groups or individually.
• Provide instructional assistance as directed by appropriate certificated staff, including academic subjects, life skills, social skills, community access, personal hygiene, swimming, communication, physical and/or occupational therapy exercises, and job skills training.
• Assist the teacher with preparing materials for lessons and maintaining data collection records.
• Carry out behavior management plans for individual students.
• Produce and assemble teaching materials as directed by appropriate certificated staff.
• Assist with data entry, record keeping, and filing.
• Grade/correct papers and homework utilizing a rubric or key.
• Observe assigned students as they enter/leave school grounds, in the cafeteria, and in the community, and intervene as appropriate to ensure student safety.
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs.
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by administration in alignment with their job classification.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off, including sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED