Paraeducator - Functional Core Program

Federal Way Public Schools; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking a paraeducator to support students with identified disabilities in the functional life skills domain. You will work under a certificated teacher, assisting with instructional and non-instructional activities and health-related tasks.

The role includes supervising students in various settings, assisting with feeding, toileting, and mobility, and implementing behavior plans while maintaining safety and confidentiality in a school environment.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent and additional paraeducator qualifications as listed in the posting.
• Experience with IEPs and special education needs is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructional and health-related routines in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting IEP goals under certificated teacher supervision.
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed.
• Maintain clean, safe facilities and assist with personal care tasks as needed.
• Perform medical procedures under RN guidance, including medication administration.
• Assist with students’ transportation and supervision during meals, recess, and activities.
• Develop positive rapport with students and staff and report concerns to supervisor.

Skills

IEPs knowledge

English grammar

Basic math

Positive behavior support

De-escalation techniques

Safety and confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree

48 college credits or 72 quarter credits

Paraeducator assessment test

Job description

Date Posted

9/8/2026

Days of the Week

Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday

Shift Times

• 8:20am - 3:05pm Monday - Thursday
• 8:20am - 2:05pm Friday

Position Type

ParaEducator (School Aide)/ Special Education Programs

Location

Adelaide Elementary

Hours per Day

6.0 hours (30 hours per week) - $28.60 - $31.34 DOE

POSITION SUMMARY

The functional core program (FCP) is for students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the functional life skills domain. This position requires the paraeducator to work under the direction of a certificated teacher. Duties include instructional and non-instructional activities for special education students. The paraeducator's role is to assist students with learning and health care needs such as: feeding, tube feeding, toileting, catheterization, and lifting. This position may also require the paraeducator to work with students who have behavior problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the certificated teacher, the paraeducator will assist students with meeting their IEP goals/objectives and keep accurate records.
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed.
• Keep the facilities clean and safe.
• Assist students with washing, diapering, toileting, assist students with personal hygiene, and other personal care.
• Perform medical procedures and determined by a registered nurse such as: administration of medication, catheterization, suctioning, and tube feeding.
• Lift and properly position medically fragile students frequently.
• Work with students that have behavior problems that may require restraining. Demonstrate the ability to implement and follow behavior plans.
• Supervise/assist students at lunch, recess, Adaptive PE., music, library and possibly in a regular education classroom setting or out in the community.
• Assist student on and off the bus.
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff.
• Report and direct any questions or concerns brought to you by parents or support staff to your immediate supervisor.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teacher with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• AA degree
• High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits
• High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state approved paraeducator assessment test

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar skills
• Experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and knowledge of working with students with special health care needs and developmental disabilities

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass fitness for duty examination
• Washington State driver’s license
• Possess and maintain Type II driver’s license
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements
• Possess and maintain Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class
• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training
• Travel with students as needed
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Individual education plans (IEPs)
• English grammar and spelling
• Basic math
• Positive behavior interventions
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques
• School Board Policies

ABILITY TO

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
• Work independently and work collaboratively with others fostering a team approach whenever appropriate.
• Maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow District procedures for reporting all absences.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to students.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers
• Follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision
• Speak, read and follow written communications in English
• Perform basic spelling, math and grammar skills
• Demonstrate the desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent behavior
• Demonstrate a caring attitude and establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning
• Exercise judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority
• Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
• Interact positively with students, parents and staff in a professional manner and demonstrate a commitment for students and their success
• Continue professional growth
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY

• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
• Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools’ commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

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 will constantly sit, stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and must frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs. Any lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

WORK CONDITIONS

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 regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions. This position intermittently works near a video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment. Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a school year assignment. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports to classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Position is evaluated by the building principal or designee.

REPRESENTATION

Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule. This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE – Medical, dental vision, sick and vacation leave, life insurance, retirement.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Update 07/2015 Updated Right Response language 07/2017

Disclaimer

The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.

Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.