Para - SPED Functional Transitions - 20272230

Thomas Middle School; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Middle School in Lakewood, Washington is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator II to support students in Functional Academics classrooms. You will assist the teacher with implementing educational programs, managing behavior, and preparing materials, with emphasis on life skills instruction.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, and options for additional education or paraeducator credentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, with one of: associate degree or higher, 72 quarter credits (or 48 semester credits) at the 100 level or higher, or completed paraeducator apprenticeship.
• Experience with IEPs and re-evaluations under teacher guidance is expected.
• Ability to lift 25–50 pounds and support students with life skills tasks.
• Familiarity with FERPA/ HIPAA and handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementation of special education programs under the classroom teacher.
• Support behavior management strategies and instructional activities.
• Instruct students in small groups or one-to-one settings as assigned.
• Assist with life skills tasks such as lifting, toileting, feeding under supervision.

Skills

IEP preparation

Behavior management

Verbal de-escalation

Data entry

Hygiene support

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher

72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits

Paraprofessional apprenticeship

Job description

Para - SPED Functional Transitions - 20272230

Clover Park School District Thomas Middle School - Lakewood, Washington

Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Clover Park School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5915188

Application Deadline: Sep 10, 2026 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)

Posted: Sep 03, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Special Education Functional Academics (FA)

• Students in grades K-5 who require small group settings
• Cognitive and adaptive delays
• Specially designed instruction cannot be met in the general education classroom

*HourlyWage Range: $29.23/hr - $32.73/hr

Hours per Day: 6.75

Days per Year: 191

Shift: 8:45am - 4:00pm

A complete application will include:

• copy of your high school diploma or recognized equivalent
• unofficial college/university transcripts or results of the ParaproExam.

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

Job Title:

Classification Level:

Special Education Paraeducator II

E-2

Reports to:

Working Title

Building Administrator

Life Skills

Functional Academics

Special Education Preschool

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT

Job incumbents work under general direction of the building administrator and under specific direction of the classroom teacher. The primary purpose of this job is to assist the teacher with implementation of an educational program for special education students by providing instruction as assigned, behavior management, preparation of classroom materials, and primary care of life skills students such as lifting, toileting, washing and feeding. Assignment may be at the elementary or secondary level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Depending upon the needs of the students and the direction given by the special education teacher, any or all of the following essential functions may be applicable to the job assignment.

• Assists with IEP preparation at the direction of the classroom teacher. Monitors timelines for due process with re-evaluations and IEP’s under the guidance of the special education teacher.
• Assists with preparation for and implementation of behavior management techniques, educational and vocational instruction and vocational placement programs.
• Instructs students in large or small groups or one-to-one as assigned by and under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Assists students with hygiene and personal needs, such as lifting, toileting, washing and feeding. May prepare and give intervention and medication, or conduct certain medical treatments following training by, and under the direction of, licensed nursing staff. Such treatments may include, but are not limited to: catheterization, nasogastric feedings, suctioning, supervision of a student self-administering glucose checks or insulin injections, seizure management, individualized emergency medical plans, etc.
• Administers or assists special education teacher with administration of assessment instruments.
• Prepares materials for use by student, teacher and parents; types, hand draws, reproduces and collates.
• Maintains class during special education teacher’s absence. Supervises students during lunch, recess, on and off the bus, assembly, and to other building locations.
• Uses personal computer for data entry and to produce correspondence and reports; operates typewriter, copier, FAX and other office machines.
• Under the direction of the special education teacher, maintains students records and files such as FTE count, month end reports, schedules, attendance records, credits earned and required classes and credits for graduation. May monitor three (3) year evaluations for state compliance.
• May transport and/or accompany students on field trips and other outings.
• May assist with profile development for education and vocation planning.
• May work with high risk students who display significant behavior concerns as part of their disability who display significant behavior concerns as part of their disability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The essential functions listed above are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The position may perform a variety of non-essential functions consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or it’s recognized equivalent (GED) and must meet one of the following:
• Have received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the board;
• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
• Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university;
• Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council

Experience

• Two (2) y

Board approved assessments

• ETS ParaPro test takers must meet or exceed Washington’s qualifying score of 455.
• Pearson Paraprofessional test takers must meet or exceed 220 (that score is equivalent to the 50 out of 72 scorable multiple choice questions set by the Board).
• Master Teacher Inc. test takers must meet or exceed 65%. A candidate must receive a passing score on each of the two assessments to be certified.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the following:
• Classroom/behavior management techniques
• Special Education terminology
• Lifting, toileting and feeding techniques
• Restraint techniques
• Verbal de-escalation
• Ability to work independently and to independently learn operations, procedures. processes and uses of equipment.
• Skill in handling, storing, and transmitting confidential information in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA requirements.
• .Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and knowledge of proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to communicate and interact clearly, concisely, courteous and respectfully with students, parents, guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adjust to new and different working conditions.
• Ability to learn and implement medical intervention techniques under the direction of a knowledgeable professional under the direction of a knowledgeable professional.

Certification and Licenses

• Fingerprinting and Background check.
• First Aid and CPR Card.
• Paras are required to complete the district provided Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) as outlined by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). Positions excluded from this requirement are as follows: Bus Para, In School Suspension Para, Library Para, and Preschool Para.
• Completion of Right Response training within ninety (90) days of hire date.
• For positions located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) only: Ability to obtain and maintain access to JBLM in compliance with the REAL ID Act and all applicable installation access requirements.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATONS

• College credits with major in education, psychology, counseling, behavior intervention or social work.
• Three year’s or more of special education paraeducator experience in a public-school setting.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in regular school buildings located throughout the district. Ability to sit or stand for prolonged period of time; use of fingers, hands and arms;, and tolerance of loud noises and physically demanding situations are all required. The employee must lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds and may assist students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues or when transporting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, temperature fluctuations, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals commonly used in instruction and/or cleaning. It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties. The employee may be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students. Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach requiring ordinary physical effort when required to intervene in student safety issues.

FLSA: Non-Exempt AFFILIATION: ESPCP

JOB CLASS: Paraeducator WORK YEAR: 191 days

*Internal candidates may be placed on a longevity step per corresponding collective bargaining agreement.

** Shifts are subject to change.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment with Clover Park School District is conditional pending completion of a Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint background check as required by RCW28A.400.303. (NOTE: All associated background check fees are the employee’s responsibility.) The fingerprint scan must be completed prior to the first day of employment.

Insurance Benefits

Employees who are anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year (September 1 through August 31) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance benefits.

Clover Park School District benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click on the linkhttps://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees for information on available benefit options.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Eligible employees are required to be a member of the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan. For eligibility information, check on the link to the Department of Retirement Systems ' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in tax deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP). These are supplemental retirement savings programs that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Clink on the linkhttps://www.drs.wa.gov/plan/dcp/ for information on 457 plan (DCP) with the Department of Retirement Systems.

To enroll in an eligible 403(b) plan, employees must consult with their own financial planner that is an approved vendor.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clover Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race,ethnicity,housing, immigration or citizenship status,creed, religion, color, national origin,honorable military discharge or active duty status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity,the presence of anysensory, mental,or physical disability,neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal,whether they take place on or off school grounds or are offered as part of the district’s online or alternative learning programs.This standard will be applied to students as well as designated youth groups including Scouting America which require equal access. Address questions and complaints of alleged discrimination to the following individuals at Clover Park School District, 10903 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood, Washington 98499-1341:Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Greg Davis, Executive Director of Human Resources, [phone],[e-mail] ;Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Jennifer Herbold, Executive Director of Special Education, [phone],[e-mail] . Title IX inquiries may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR),https://bit.ly/US-OCR . Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint, is available athttps://bit.ly/CPSDHIBPolicy ; OSPI required language per RCW 28A.300.286 is available athttps://bit.ly/OSPIModelLanguage .

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Recruitment Services
• 10903 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
• Lakewood, Washington 98499
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

Map

The content you submit, offer, contribute, attach, post, or display (each a “Submission”) will be viewed by other users of the service who may or may not be accurately representing who they are or who they represent. Do not include any sensitive data in your submissions. Any submission or any use or reliance on any content or materials posted via the service or obtained by you through the use of the service is at your own risk. “Sensitive data” for purposes of this section means social security or other government-issued identification numbers, medical or health information, account security information, individual financial account information, credit/debit/gift or other payment card information, account passwords, individual credit and income information or any other sensitive personal data as defined under applicable laws.