Para - SPED Functional Transitions - 20272237

Thomas Middle School; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Clover Park School District Thomas Middle School in Lakewood, WA is seeking a SPED Functional Transitions paraeducator (E-2). The role supports teachers with educational programs for students with special needs, including life skills, daily care, and behavior management.

The position is 6.75 hours per day across 191 days per year, with a shift from 8:45am to 4:00pm. Starting immediately, requires a high school diploma or GED and passing or obtaining applicable paraeducator assessments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required; other education options listed by the district.
• Two years of successful work experience with special education students.
• Board approved assessments such as EST ParaPathways, ETS ParaPro, or Pearson Paraprofessional may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom teacher with instructional activities and IEP-related tasks.
• Support behavior management and implement educational and vocational instruction.
• Instruct students individually or in groups as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with hygiene, lifting, toileting, and feeding tasks as needed.
• Prepare classroom materials and maintain student records and attendance.

Skills

Behavior management

Verbal de-escalation

Communication with students/parents

Lifting, toileting, feeding techniques

Education

High school diploma or GED

Additional coursework or college credits (preferred)

Tools

Personal computer

Job description

Para - SPED Functional Transitions - 20272237

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: 5973674

Application Deadline: Nov 02, 2026 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)

Posted: Oct 27, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Special Education Functional Transition (FT)

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

Hours per Day: 6.75

Days per Year: 191

**Shift: 8:45am - 4:00pm

• copy of your high school diploma or recognized equivalent


• unofficial college/university transcripts or results of the ParaproExam.

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

Job Title:

E-2

Reports to:

Working Title

Building Administrator

Life Skills

Functional Academics

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) years of successful work experience with special education students.

Board approved assessments

• EST ParaPathways test takers must meet or exceed a score of 324 on the Reading and Writing sub test and 325 on the Mathematics sub test. (Bridge option is available for eligible test takers.)


• ETS ParaPro test takers must meet or exceed Washington’s qualifying score of 455 prior to August 31, 2026.


• 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.

For more information about Board approved assessments click here .

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,