Diverse Support Instructional Assistant - 2 positions

Woodland-Public-Schools; Woodland (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SEBB medical/dental/vision

Retirement through DRS

Job summary

Woodland Public Schools is seeking a Diverse Support Program Paraeducator for Columbia Elementary School. The role includes assisting the teacher with daily classroom activities, supporting highly needs students, and ensuring student health and safety.

Eligibility includes a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of one approved credential within the first year; the position offers SEBB benefits and retirement eligibility.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• One of: Associate's degree credits or 72 college quarter/48 semester credits, or ParaPro assessment passing 455, or Master Teacher Paraeducator Online Training: 65%, or Paraeducator Apprenticeship Program.
• Must complete 14 hours of the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) within first year.
• Ability to work and communicate well with staff members.
• Experience showing interpersonal skills and teamwork in classroom settings.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience as part of an educational team.
• Ability to communicate with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to learn and use computers and adaptive technologies.
• Ability to implement educational programs and manage student behavior with guidance.
• Flexibility with tasks and schedules.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and assist with mobility.
• Ability to escort students safely around campus.
• Ability to observe and report student behavior.
• Regular and punctual attendance.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher with daily classroom activities.
• Care for students' physical and emotional health and safety.
• Support the mission of Woodland Public Schools in preparing students for life and career.
• Work under the direction of the principal.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Tech literacy

Observation skills

Attendance

Physical capability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree credits or equivalent

ParaPro assessment with 455 passing

Paraeducator Training Program (Master Teacher/65%)

Paraeducator Apprenticeship Program

Job description

Diverse Support Instructional Assistant - 2 positions

Job Details

Job ID: 5957528

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 12, 2026 7:01 PM (UTC)

Job Description

Woodland Public Schools - Diverse Support Program Paraeducator (2 positions)

We appreciate your interest in employment with Woodland Public Schools. All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) who possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Position Title: Diverse Support Program Paraeducator

Posting#: 3765

Location: Columbia Elementary School

Days/Hrs: M-F/ 6.5 hours per day, 191 days per year (180 school days and 11 holidays) for a full year.

Start Date: 11/1/26

Pay Schedule: Link to Schedule

Benefits: Position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and LTD through the School Employee Benefits Board (SEBB), effective the first day of the month after starting the position. The position is eligible for retirement through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).

Job Summary: The diverse support program paraeducator works with our highest-need students, usually in a diverse support classroom and sometimes within the general education classroom as well. They assist the teacher in general daily classroom activities and care for the student's physical and emotional health, and safety, affirming their abilities, and striving to promote dignity in all relationships. The work assists toward the accomplishment of the mission of Woodland Public School of preparing students for career, life, and college so they can become a responsible and successful citizen. Work is performed under the direction of the principal.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Required to have completed one of the following requirement: Either (1) documentation to support an Associate's Degree or transcripts to verify the comparable equivalence (i.e. 72 college quarter credits or 48 semester credits from an accredited university, college, community college or business school), or (2) ETS ParaPro Assessment with a passing score of 455 (this can be taken at ESD 112 or at Lower Columbia College) , (3) The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program: 65% or (4) Completed a Paraeducator 2Apprenticeship Program.
• Required to complete 14 hours of theFundamental Course of Study (FCS) within the first year of employment. (This 28-hour course is required for all paraeducators within their first and second year of employment.The FCS covers topics such as cultural identity, instructional support, technology, and behavior management.Paraeducators are paid for FCS classes that take place outside of their normal work hours.)
• Ability to work and communicate well with staff members
• Experience which demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and skills in working effectively in a team environment, providing support to achieve the desired goal(s) for the classroom and/or program area
• Possess excellent problem-solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills and the ability to think quickly
• Successful experience as part of an educational team
• Ability to effectively communicate with and appreciate individuals from diverse, socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to learn and use a computer monitor, keyboard, and appropriate adaptive technologies
• Ability to successfully implement educational programs and manage student behavior with direction from the classroom teacher(s)
• Ability to be flexible with assigned tasks and schedules
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Ability to move or physically restrain a child of the size required by the job
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building and grounds
• Ability to observe the behavior of students, both visually and by listening, and to communicate those observations with other appropriate service providers
• Regular and punctual attendance

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with medically fragile students
• Experience providing for personal care needs such as toileting and teeth brushing
• Experience with classroom documentation and data collection
• Experience with discrete trial instruction, such as the STAR program
• Experience doing pivot transfers and sit-to-stand techniques
• Experience using a Hoyer lift and gate belt
• Experience with G-tubes
• Experience with seizure disorders and a VNS device

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work Habits
  • Performs duties efficiently
  • Utilizes time appropriately
  • Maintains an organized and safe work area
  • Ensures confidentiality of Information
  • Adheres to regulations
  • Produces quality work
  • Completes work on schedule
  • Shows Initiative
  • Demonstrates flexibility
  • Uses safety equipment when appropriate
  • Adapts and incorporates program and policy changes
• Interpersonal Skills
  • Shows respect for others
  • Shows sensitivity to the needs of others
  • Displays effective listening skills
  • Communicates problems and concerns effectively and courteously
• Dependability
  • Works independently of close supervision
  • Maintains an acceptable attendance record
  • Arrives on time and ready to work
• Attitude
  • Demonstrates a positive feeling for work
  • Accepts difficult assignments
  • Accepts supervision and direction
  • Acts professionally on the job site
• Technical Skills
  • Maintains and operates equipment
  • Performs assigned cleaning tasks
  • Follows appropriate safety guidelines
  • Maintains accurate reports/records
  • Demonstrates overall knowledge of job requirements
• Other
  • Wears proper clothing and footwear
  • Presents appropriate appearance
  • Participates in and takes advantage of educational opportunities
  • Provides emergency assistance when needed
  • Assists the appropriate certificated staff member(s) in developing specific goals for each student
  • Assist the teacher in planning and evaluating overall learning goals and individual students' progress
  • Complete required state and local trainings as required
  • Independently oversee student(s) behavior and assist the student(s) during class activities. In conjunction with the certificated staff member, assist with classroom activities or provide instruction to the student. Assistance provided may include the following areas: academic subjects, basic life skills, social skills, and other areas as assigned
  • Tutor or guide individual(s) or small group of students in various subjects (i.e., Reading, Math, ESL,or other academic subjects). This will include assisting the teacher with developing lesson plans, preparing for tutoring sessions, working with students, and maintaining records required by the funding program
  • Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and record-keeping and maintain accurate data on student records. Grade/correct papers and homework
  • Assist in each student's individual education plan, including development and implementation of instructional programs
  • Work with students with severe/profound disabilities in a one‑on‑one program
  • Work closely with general and special education teachers in planning lessons/skill-building activities, etc.
  • Work with students and teachers in every obtainable subject area in traditional classroom settings
  • Track student progress utilizing the student data management system
  • Daily documentation/charting of personal care and medical services
  • Monitor medically fragile students for health concerns, per their individual health care plans
  • Supervise students on off-campus trips (occurring daily to weekly)
  • Provide personal care for students, including toileting and teeth brushing
  • Assist teachers in classroom operations and daily activities
  • Support students in classroom note‑taking, organization, explanation, etc.
  • Assist in reading, writing, and typing for students when required
  • Proctor classroom exams, quizzes, and other assignments in settings deemed appropriate for each student's learning plan
  • Assist with behavior management programs, closely monitor students' behavior on the school campus and make appropriate supervisory decisions; may be required to use physical restraintmethods appropriately in the behavior management process
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times
  • Assist with loading and unloading of students on buses
  • Ability to complete de-escalation/physical restraint training, if required by District, as soon as possible after hiring
  • Assist in providing one-to-one and group instruction to students so as to meet content benchmarks
  • Assist classroom teachers in evaluating and specifying a direction of instruction so as to maximize each student's achievement
  • Record and maintain accurate data on student records
  • Assist administrators in maintaining appropriate discipline on campus and in school buildings
  • Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

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 frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally, the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well‑being, or work output of other people.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as reading handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Position Opens Internally: 10/12/2026

Position Closes Internally: 10/16/2026

Position Opens Externally (if necessary): 10/17/2026

Position Closes: Open Until Filled

If you are hired for this position, you will be required to pay for a background check, unless you have completed the background check in the past two years, and it is on file with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Individual Aide

Contact Information

• Vicky Barnes , Human Resources
• 800 Second Street
• Woodland, Washington 98674
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]