Paraeducator Special Programs

BENEFIT INFORMATION

Eligibility for SEBB medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD if anticipated to reach 630 hours in the school year. Eligibility for retirement based on 3.50 hrs/day or more for 5 or more consecutive months. Optional tax-sheltered annuities: Omni 403(b) and Deferred Compensation Plan. Personal leave, vacation leave (260-day employees only), and sick leave prorated based on FTE.

Selection for interview is based on evaluation of complete application file. Employment offer is based on employee evaluations, discipline history and attendance records, training and experience, references, and interview results. Hourly rate placement contingent upon verification of related WA public school experience.

This position is included in the classified staff non-supervisory bargaining unit. Union shop requirements and the Collective Bargaining Agreement apply to this position.

Employment contingent upon completion and verification of form information and background check with fee to be paid by applicant.

Pay for contracted classified employees is distributed once/month on the last business day of the month.  Pay for employees who work less than full year is spread through August.  Questions concerning pay processes may be directed to the Personnel Office.

Classified Personnel

Job Description: Paraeducator/Special Programs*

Responsible to: Building Principal, Executive Director of Student Support Services and Supervising Teacher

Work Year: 180 Days

Hours Per Day: 6.50 hours per day

General: The Paraeducator’s primary assignment will be working in a classroom with high needs students, under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher and building principal, who demonstrate significant cognitive needs and are identified by an Individualized Educational Program.
*Structured Learning Classroom (SLC), Intensive Learning Classroom (ILC), Quest Program, Guide Program, RISE Program

Minimum Qualification:

• At a minimum, AA degree or higher, or two years of college (72 quarter credits), or
• Ability to meet State-determined performance standards in reading, math and writing (i.e., para-educator assessment)
• Previous experience working with school-age students; previous experience working with severely multiple-impaired students preferred.
• Bilingual skills may be required.
• Hold or ability to obtain Right Response Certification
• Interest in working with developmentally delayed young adults and young adults with mild mental, physical or emotional disabilities is required.
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment, including basic computer/Chromebook including Google applications and copier.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Sensitivity towards children; ability to promote a child’s self concept.
• Ability and willingness to work with students from various backgrounds.
• Physical ability to care for student needs, including toileting support.
• Organizational skills and flexibility to respond to changing student needs.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and students, including the monitoring and disciplining of student activities.
• Must be able to function in a calm, efficient, courteous manner under stress and to exercise careful judgment, confidentiality and tact in the performance of duties.
• Must be able to understand and follow written and oral instructions and be able to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Valid First Aid certificate and CPR training required.
• Must be able to maintain consistent presence at assigned worksite and regularly work hours specified under contract.
• Must comply with all district policies and with the code of professional conduct.

Position Responsibilities:

• Support the students’ educational needs both within and away from the classroom.
• Assist in implementing social skills, behavioral programs, and interacting with student to enforce positive behavior modification.
• May prepare materials for classroom use under teacher supervision and maintain accurate records on student progress for the students in this high energy classroom.
• Deliver lessons that are relevant to the student’s goals and objectives; check for understanding and pre-teach/re-teach as appropriate; maintain communication with CTP coordinator; demonstrate flexibility.
• Deliver instruction to DD (Level I) students as well as higher functioning (Level II) students
• Working collaboratively with students and others in general education settings.
• Providing supervision in non-academic settings (such as playground, bus duty)
• Support students in personal individual areas as the need arises (i.e., toileting, feeding, dressing)
• Perform such other duties as, from time to time, may be required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
AA degree or higher, or two years of college (72 quarter credits), or ability to meet State-determined performance standards in reading, math and writing. Previous experience working with school-age children desirable, especially developmentally delayed young adults or young adults with mild mental, physical or emotional disabilities. First Aid card and CPR training may be required.

Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to staff. Bilingual skills may be required.

Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Skills and Abilities:
Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, or talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift 50 pounds and/or push/pull up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision, and peripheral vision. The employee needs to be able to tell where a sound is coming from and hear in a noisy environment. Employee may be required to provide personal care support (such as toileting, dressing).

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts in some vocational settings. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is continuously responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Eligibility for SEBB medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD if anticipated to reach 630 hours in the school year. Eligibility for retirement based on 3.50 hrs/day or more for 5 or more consecutive months. Optional tax-sheltered annuities: Omni 403(b) and Deferred Compensation Plan. Personal leave, vacation leave (260-day employees only), and sick leave prorated based on FTE.