On-Call Paraprofessional

State of Washington; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

WFSE union

Job summary

Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) seeks on-call paraprofessionals to provide instructional assistance and supervise students during the school day under teacher direction. You will support daily living skills, mobility, and classroom activities while maintaining confidentiality and collaborating with staff.

Responsibilities include assisting with self-help needs, participating in field trips, and preparing instructional materials.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Pass state-approved assessments such as ParaPro etc.
• Hold an associate degree or higher.
• Have completed 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or above.
• Successfully finish a paraeducator apprenticeship program.

Responsibilities

• Substitute for permanent staff during the school day under teacher direction.
• Communicate with teachers, supervisor, and staff on student issues.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student-related issues.
• Assist in mobility and personal needs, including toileting, as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Willingness to learn

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher

72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits

Paraeducator apprenticeship program

Job description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Agency Profile:

The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed. Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts. Our greatest resource at WSSB are our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB’s core values are: being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.

On-Call Paraprofessionals work when needed to substitute for permanent employees during the school day providing instructional assistance and supervision of students under the direction of teachers within the classroom setting and other areas of the school such as the cafeteria. Successful candidates will communicate with teachers, supervisor, and staff members on student issues, concerns, and progress; maintain confidentiality regarding student-related issues; create and maintain a safe, secure, and clean learning environment. Additional duties can include but are not limited to assisting students with basic daily needs which include hygiene and toileting; provide on-going training and support in work experience settings; incorporating and using principles of orientation and mobility in all aspects of student interaction; incorporating IEP goals, objectives, and annual student evaluations using WSSB's Daily Living Skills Checklist assessment results.

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements & have the ability to...

• 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; the ability to learn and grow and take action to meet the needs of others.
• Ability to assist supervisor/instructor in classroom work, field trips, and lecture periods;
• Ability 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 subject to all applicable laws and regulations.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for paraeducator positions in Washington State, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Age and Education:

Be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications

1. At a minimum, you must achieve a passing score on a state-approved assessment at least one of the following such as:
   1. Minimum score of 455 ETS ParaPro Assessment, or
   2. Minimum score of 220 on the Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment, or
   3. Minimum score of 65% on The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program
2. Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution.
3. Have completed 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or above from an accredited institution.
4. Successfully finish a paraeducator apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Desired Qualifications include:

• Experience working with blind and low vison individuals.
• Demonstrated experience in an educational setting, preferably with middle and high school youth.
• UEB WA certified for braille competency or ability and willingness to obtain Braille certification.
• Experience with Daily Living Skills instruction for blind and low vision individuals and,
• Training and/or experience working with children with behavioral support needs.

Note: This recruitment can be used for multiple positions and shifts. On-Call staff are not eligible for the benefits listed in the Benefits tab of Neogov.However,on-call staff are eligible for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). On-Call staff are also eligible to accrue vacation on a pro rata basis in accordance with WAC 357-31-165. Holidays are paid in accordance with WAC 357-31-010. Personal holidays and sick time are paid in accordance with WAC 357-31-055 and WAC 357-31-115. The full salary range has been posted for information purposes only. New hires typically do not start at the top of the range without State of Washington agency experience in a similarly situated position as these are considered senior/longevity steps. Education/experience and skills and abilities will be considered for the proper placement of any final candidate. This position may be eligible for dual language pay: a premium of 5% which is added to an employee's base salary for recognized specialized skills (i.e. braille certification, etc.) that exceed the ordinary requirements for the position.

What We Offer!

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 and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more!

For questions or information regarding the online application, please email [e-mail].

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 in accordance with state and Federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital or familial status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), sex including sexual orientation and 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.

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 the application process, may call [phone] and ask to speak to Human Resources or email [e-mail].