High Needs Life Skills Program Paraeducator

Orting School District; Orting (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Orting School District is seeking a High Needs Paraeducator to support life skills classroom instruction under certificated staff supervision. The role involves direct student assistance, health-related tasks, and collaboration with staff and families.

Qualifications include a high school diploma, possible AA or 72 quarter credits, and First Aid/CPR. Training and PDA eligibility may apply for higher pay tiers and program support.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment or higher education credits.
• AA degree or 72 quarter credits / 48 semester credits at 100 level+ or completion of an apprenticeship registered with WA SC Apprenticeship Council.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with toileting and related health tasks.
• Assist with feeding, including oral and tube feeding (not med administration).
• Suctioning and transferring non-ambulatory students.
• Provide support in group or 1:1 instructional settings and assist in program design and monitoring of student progress.
• Supervise students and assist in discipline, clerical duties, and attendance tasks.
• May serve as Parent Designated Adult (PDA) after district training, supporting eligible students.

Skills

Relate to students

Verbal & written communication

Instructional support

Teamwork

First Aid/CPR Certified

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

AA degree or equivalent experience

72 quarter credits / 48 semester credits at 100 level+

Apprenticeship as paraeducator

Job description

Summary of Assignment

Work under the supervision of certificated staff in the life skills classroom to provide instructional or other appropriate services.

Requirements

Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

• Have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment; or
• Hold an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
• Have earned seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an accredited college or university; or
• Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Applicable AA degree or equivalent work experience and/or training preferred.
• Ability to relate to students, staff and parents.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to utilize appropriate strategies and techniques to provide effective instructional support.
• Work Skills Assessments: Achieve minimum acceptable levels/scores in reading, writing, math and technology assessments.
• First Aid/CPR Certified

Performance, Duties And Responsibilities

• Assisting students with toileting including catheterization
• Feedings, oral and tube feeding (excluding the non-oral administration of medication)
• Suctioning
• Transferring non-ambulatory students
• Physical restraint in accordance with the aversive therapy plan
• Diabetic health plan management (with evidence of completion of PDA training)
• Work with students individually or in small groups in a variety of content areas/subjects.
• Assist staff, as appropriate, in the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs and student progress.
• Assist in student supervision and discipline.
• File papers, run errands, operate duplication machines, attendance, minor clerical duties.
• Lead group discussions.
• Work with students individually or in small groups in a variety of content areas/subjects
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Upon completion of required District training, serve as a Parent Designated Adult (PDA), when assigned, to support eligible students in accordance with Washington State law, District procedures, and individual student plans.
• Diabetic health plan management (with evidence of completion of PDA training)

Preferred candidates will have experience working with students in a school classroom setting.

Reports To

Instructor and principal

Conditions

The preceding description of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary by the employer.

Terms of Employment

• Work Year 189 days per year (includes nine paid holidays)
• Hours 3.5 hours paid per day
• Schedule 9:30 am 1:00 pm, Monday - Friday
• Salary 2026-27 PSE Salary Schedule A*
• High Needs Paraeducator I ($27.40 - $30.31 DOE)
• High Needs Paraeducator III* ($30.64 - $33.73 DOE)
• Higher pay rate for:
  • Satisfactory completion of Educational Para-Professional Apprenticeship Program or
  • Accredited AA Degree (official transcripts are required) or
  • Seventy-two (72) quarter credits or forty-eight (48) semester credits (official transcripts are required) at 100 level or above

Benefits

• Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours an employee is anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees anticipated to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability and the employee assistance program.
• The district's healthcare benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Benefit eligible employees also qualify to optionally participate in deferred compensation/403B plans, dependent care flexible spending/health savings accounts, and additional life insurance and/or added long-term disability coverage through employee contributions.
• Sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and any paid holidays are aligned with bargaining agreements by association, as listed on our website.
• Other benefits include VEBA, which is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and serves as a way to contribute dollars on a pre-tax basis for out of pocket benefits costs, whether it be for medical, dental or vision premiums, or any other out of pocket medical expenses. This benefit is available, based on the outcome of annual voting of employees by group.

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. The District reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Orting School District Does Not Discriminate In Any Programs Or Activities On The Basis Of Sex, Race, Creed, Religion, Color, National Origin, Age, Veteran Or Military Status, Sexual Orientation, Gender Expression Or Identity, Disability, Marital Status, Or The Use Of a Trained Dog Guide Or Service Animal And Provides Equal Access To The Boy Scouts And Other Designated Youth Groups. The Following Employees Have Been Designated To Handle Questions And Complaints Of Alleged Discrimination And Their Offices Are Located At 121 Whitesell St NE, Orting, WA 98360

Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX/ADA Coordinator
Carrie Joy, Director of Human Resources
360-893-6500, ext. 4028
[e-mail]

Section 504 Coordinator
Dr. Jennifer Westover, Executive Director for Student Support Services
360-893-6500, ext. 4027
[e-mail]

Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint can be accessed here.

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.