CMA Paraprofessional

Educational Service District 123; Pasco; On-site; PEN 111,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Educational Service District 123 is hiring a Candy Mountain Academy Paraprofessional – Special Education to support student learning and assist teachers in delivering lessons aligned with Student Learning Plans. You will provide direct learning support, monitor progress, coordinate with families and community partners, and help maintain a safe, inclusive classroom environment.

The role requires high school diploma or equivalent, CPR/First Aid, and one+ years in education with behavioral

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Possess ParaPro Assessment or equivalent (ETS) or college credits/Associate degree alternatives.
• CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Valid driver’s license and evidence of insurability required.

Responsibilities

• Assist students individually or in small groups with assignments as directed to reinforce learning.
• Attend trainings and planning meetings to maintain program consistency.
• Document student progress and communicate with teachers and families.
• Assist in implementing individualized education plans under teacher supervision.
• Lead or supervise small groups during instructional activities and assessments.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow district policies.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ParaPro/ apprenticeship / college credits

CPR/First Aid Certification

Driver's license & evidence of insurability

Job description

• Date Posted:
  11/10/2026
• Location:
  Pasco

Position Title: Candy Mountain Academy Paraprofessional – Special Education
Department: Instructional Services
Reports To: Candy Mountain Academy Coordinator
Classification: Non-Exempt (Full-Time 185 days per year)
Schedule: Mon-Thur 7.5 hours per day typically 7:30am-3:00pm and a few hours in the morning on Friday for training as required
Hourly Rate: Grade 23: $23.68 (step 1/year 1) – 25.65 (step 5/year 5)

SUMMARY: ESD 123 is looking to hire a paraprofessional to work within our Candy Mountain Academy. This purpose of this position is to facilitate student academic performance and interview when problems are identified, with the goal of providing support for students enrolled in the Candy Mountain Academy; providing direct learning support to students; providing referrals to school and community-based services; coordinating services provided by multiple agencies/organizations; providing ongoing feedback and encouragement; and assisting students in accomplishing the goals of their Student Learning Plans in partnership with ESD personnel, family members and community service providers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Acts as a member of a student de-escalation team for the purpose of maintaining consistency in safety protocols throughout the program.
• Adheres to comprehensive and specific behavior plans and systems when working with students with significant behaviors for the purpose of ensuring safety and consistency.
• Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments as directed for the purpose of practicing and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching their academic goals.
• Attends trainings and functions as assigned for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Attends planning meetings with teachers and staff for the purpose of maintaining consistency throughout the program.
• Confers with teachers and/or parents as may be required for the purpose of providing input into the evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing/modifying students' objectives.
• Corrects and charts student work for the purpose of assisting the teacher with data collection.
• Duplicates and constructs material and orders equipment for the purpose of assisting staff in the effective overall operation of the building.
• Implements under the supervision of the assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving student success through a defined course of study.
• Leads groups of students through assessments electronically or on paper for the purpose of supporting the teachers in the instructional process.
• Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. classroom, recess, field trips, lunchroom, etc.) for the purpose of identifying required assistance and ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
• Prepares materials and keeps records related to a student's IEP for the purpose of assisting the teacher in maintaining IEP data.
• Provides computer-assisted learning for the purpose of supporting the teacher in effective classroom instruction and delivery.
• Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g. accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violation of rules, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate personnel.
• Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the preparation and implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.
• Works with individuals or small groups to implement accommodations and supports as defined by the student's IEP for academics, recreational activities, etc. for the purpose of assisting staff in meeting student needs as defined in the IEP.
• Follows all applicable Board policies and procedures.
• Maintains Confidentiality.

Supervisory: None

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs related duties as assigned.*
*Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

REQUIRED SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

SKILLS

are required to perform single tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and strong written and verbal English skills.

KNOWLEDGE

is required to perform basic math; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: demonstrated aptitude for the work to be performed.

ABILITY

is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: working independently; working in a stressful environment; responding to an emergency situation/first aid; working as a team player; willing to learn new skills; lifting 100 pounds occasionally with assistance; establishing and maintaining positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues; willing to be trained in area of duty, de- escalation and collaborative problem solving; inputting data and other information; following established policies and procedures; and ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent and
  • Have received a passing grade on the Education Training Services (ETS) ParaPro Assessment OR
  • Have completed a registered apprenticeship program; OR
  • Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an institution of higher education; OR
  • Hold an Associate of Arts degree or higher.
• One or more years of experience working an educational setting with students experiencing significant behavioral/social emotional challenges.
• Required Certificates and Licenses
  • CPR/First Aid Certificate
  • Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability
• ESD 123 requires full vaccination against Covid-19 or an approved medical or religious exemption.

WSP/ FBI background clearance required.

TRAITS THAT YOU MUST POSSESS:

• Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
• Flexible and can thrive in a fast paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
• Possess confidence while being humble- lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
• Hungry- always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step an opportunity.

Smart- have common sense about people. Good judgement and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.

THESE STATEMENTS MUST RESONATE WITH YOU:

"Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I'll figure it out."

"I am not sure, but I will find out for you."

"I have not done that before, but I can do it."

"I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach."

ABOUT OUR TEAM AND AGENCY:

Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to the beliefs and behaviors outlined in our Culture Playbook.

We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team!

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 5% sitting, 15% walking, and 80% standing. The job is performed in a clean atmosphere. May require lifting 100 pounds occasionally with assistance.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.