Para - SPED Bus - 20279419

Clover Park School District • Lakewood, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Building Administrator, the SPED Bus Para provides paraprofessional and support services to students and the school district. The role includes supporting student safety and needs on and off the bus, assisting with high-risk students, and helping drivers with emergency procedures, inspections, and bus cleaning. Depending on assignment, duties may also include classroom instruction, office, library, health room, playground, crossing guard, lunchroom, in-school suspension, and student services support. The position works with students from diverse multicultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The position is classified as Paraprofessional I, is non-exempt, and works 6.5 hours per day for 191 days per year. The listed shift is 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; shifts are subject to change. The hourly wage range is $27.25 to $30.24. Work takes place in school buildings, on campuses, and in connection with student bus transportation. Employees expected to work at least 630 hours during the school year are eligible for the listed insurance benefits.

Requirements

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent (GED).
• Meet one of the following paraeducator qualification routes: pass a Professional Educator Standards Board-approved assessment; hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; have at least 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or complete a registered paraeducator apprenticeship.
• At least six months of experience working with children or young adults.
• For the listed assessments, meet the applicable passing thresholds: EST ParaPathways Reading and Writing score of at least 324 and Mathematics score of at least 325; ETS ParaPro score of at least 455 before August 31, 2026; Pearson Paraprofessional score of at least 220; or Master Teacher Inc. score of at least 65%. A passing score on each of the two assessments is required for certification.
• Ability to keyboard accurately and use standard office software.
• Ability to perform basic clerical tasks and use office equipment, including a computer, telephone, fax, photocopier, and audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently within established guidelines.
• Ability to supervise elementary, middle, and high school students in large and small groups and respond appropriately to student needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, courteously, and respectfully with students, families, volunteers, teachers, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to make sound judgments in emergencies or crisis situations and learn verbal de-escalation, restraint techniques, and behavior management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines, and maintain schedules.
• Ability to learn and apply district policies and procedures and work independently and as part of a team.
• Skill in handling, storing, and transmitting confidential information in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA requirements.
• Must be organized and dependable.
• Fingerprinting and background check.
• First Aid and CPR card.
• Complete Right Response training within 90 days of hire for Special Education Para positions.
• For positions located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, ability to obtain and maintain installation access in compliance with the REAL ID Act and applicable access requirements.

Nice To Haves

• College credits or a degree in education or a related field.
• Two years of paraeducator experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with personal needs and equipment when boarding and leaving the bus.
• Help manage high-risk students, including students who are severely emotionally disturbed and/or dangerous.
• Prepare and provide interventions or carry out medical treatments when required by emergency medical plans.
• Assist passengers and drivers in evacuating the bus during emergencies.
• Assist drivers with daily vehicle inspections and interior bus cleaning to support compliance with state and district regulations.
• Provide instruction to students individually or in small groups as assigned by the bus driver.
• Monitor student activities and support classroom instruction as directed by teachers.
• Administer and monitor tests and assessments as assigned.
• Maintain classroom discipline when the teacher is absent, complete misconduct forms, and report behavior to the teacher or principal.
• Prepare teaching aids and classroom materials; collect, organize, distribute, and account for instructional resources and equipment.
• Operate audio-visual equipment and maintain classroom records, files, supplies, and an orderly environment.
• Accompany students on field trips and monitor and guide them during emergency drills.
• Assist students with course assignments and take classroom attendance; may collect money.
• Monitor students on playgrounds, provide lunchroom support, and help students cross streets safely at crosswalks.
• Supervise the library in the librarian’s absence; help students use library materials and equipment, issue library cards, and keep the library orderly.
• Prepare and maintain reports, correspondence, notices, forms, files, records, schedules, inventories, and equipment lists.
• Order, receive, and distribute supplies and materials; may collect and account for copy-machine and fine payments.
• Support Student Services work with McKinney Vento and foster youth and families, BECCA petitions and Community Engagement Boards, and Native American students and families; provide onsite supervision for the McKinney Vento after-school program.
• Prepare correspondence and reports and maintain department supplies.
• Provide daily directions to student assistants and district volunteers.
• Monitor students in the In-School Suspension Center as they work on assignments prepared by classroom teachers.
• Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, protect confidential information, and maintain productive relationships with district employees, parents, students, and community members.
• May serve on district committees or departmental work teams and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employees anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and basic life insurance.
• Eligible employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement System plan.
• Eligible employees may participate in tax-deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation plans.

What This Job Offers

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