Paraprofessional (Teacher Assistant)

Student-Centered   Equity   Accessibility   Relationships   Continuous Improvement 

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently hiring for a Project Paraprofessional for the 2025 school year. Project positions are limited duration with the potential for conversion to permanent positions in the future. (Most of our para's start as project employees!)  Project positions include a comprehensive rewards package to include PEBB and PERS benefits. 

The Paraprofessional (Instruction and Classroom Support Technician 1) provides instruction and support to students and assists certificated Washington State School for the Blind staff in the education setting.

• Provide instruction in core academic areas designed by the teachers/specialists.
• Assist the special education teacher/general education teacher in the implementation of the student Individual Education Plan
• Assist the teacher in preparing materials and collecting and recording data.
• Participate as a contributing member of a collaborative team. 
• Assist the teacher in implementing behavioral and social skills programs as designed and supervised by certificated staff. 
• Under the supervision of certificated staff, implement the district de-escalation and soft-restraint techniques as needed.
• Assist students with physical and mobility needs and personal care. 
• Assist secondary students with pre-vocational and transition activities. 
• Manage student equipment and assistive technology as needed. 
• Supervise and promote safety of students in multiple settings. 
• Administer, monitor, and document medication following the WSSB policy/procedures and student health care plan, as needed.
• Support class or school-wide projects and events that contribute to a positive and engaging learning environment. (Braille Challenge, Track Meet, etc.)
• Work on special projects or provide other supports as deemed necessary.
• Obtain and maintain Paraprofessional General Certificate as outlined by PESB and OSPI.

The successful candidates will have the ability to: 

• 2 Years of College or successful passing of the Praxis exam for Paraprofessionals
• Ability and willingness to obtain Braille certification (WA UEB) within 1 year of hire;
• Possesses Bilingual skills in English and Spanish;
• Ability and willingness to work daytime hours M-F (approximately 7am-3:45pm M-TH, 7am-2:30PM F or as needed to meet agency demands)
• Ability to independently perform duties with frequent interruptions;
• Ability/willingness to assist children with mobility activities;
• Ability/willingness to assist children with toileting and other personal needs as needed;
• Can provide clear and concise communication, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to issues as they arise;
• Willingness to maintain a positive attitude and be receptive to change in processes and procedures;
• Able to assist supervisor/instructor in classroom work, field trips, and lecture periods;
• Able to assist in the classroom with self-help needs;
• Can prepare materials for use in classrooms, laboratories or instructional shops; set up assignments, equipment or demonstration apparatus for classes; confer with instructor in establishing and developing assignments;
• Can stand and walk for long periods of time; and,
• Pass Federal and State background checks. 

 Desired Qualifications include:

• Experience working with blind and low vison individuals in an educational setting.
• UEB WA certified for braille competency.
• College degree or training in education or related field.
• Previously completed the Paraprofessional Fundamental Course of Study and has General Certificate from OSPI.

Note: The full salary range has been posted for informational purposes only.  Typically, new hires do not start at the top of the range without State of Washington experience in a similarly situated position as these are considered longevity steps. This position may be eligible for Assignment Pay, a premium of 5% which is added to an employee's base salary for recognized specialized skills (i.e. braille certification) that exceed the ordinary requirements for the position. Additionally, this recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions and shifts including both project and permanent paraprofessional openings. 

How to apply:

To begin the online application process, click the 'Apply' button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s).

• A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
• Allow contact for three professional references included in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information.

 For questions or information regarding the online application, please email kristina.bader@wssb.wa.gov.

What WSSB Offers: WSSB offers employees a student-focused and mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential.  Our beautiful 13.2 acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more!

Union Inclusion: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  

Opportunity for All:  The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.  A background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competency to perform in the position.    You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.  Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Additional Information:  The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer.  Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application, or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 947-3311. Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email Kristina.Bader@wssb.wa.gov. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.