Paraeducator - 1:1

Federal Way Public Schools; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking a paraeducator to work 1:1 with a student under the direction of a certified teacher or principal. You will support instruction, assist with IEP goals, and help the student achieve independence through daily living skills and safety routines in a school setting.

Candidates need a High School Diploma or equivalent; an AA degree or 48 college credits or state paraeducator assessment may fulfill qualifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• AA degree or 48 college credits or state paraeducator assessment required.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar.
• Experience with reading instruction, remediation, and assessment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in care and instruction of medically fragile or behaviorally challenged student as directed.
• Assist daily instruction and with IEP goals and objectives.
• Help develop, implement and evaluate IEP goals and objectives.
• Plan daily/weekly lessons based on IEP goals.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data to modify IEP and determine program effectiveness.
• Provide staff with information to meet IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in developing and implementing behavior plans.
• Support teaching of daily living skills and routines.
• Assist with transfers and mobility as needed.
• Follow safety and security within routines.

Skills

IEPs

English grammar

Basic math

De-escalation techniques

Data collection

Team collaboration

Education

AA degree

High school diploma + 48 college-level credits

State paraeducator assessment

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The paraeducator in this position must be willing to work 1:1 with a special needs student under the direction of a certified teacher, specialist or principal. Students may be medically fragile and/or have behavior problems which could range from mild to severe. This position supports the teacher and other caregivers with a variety of instructional and physical tasks that will help the student achieve the highest level of independent functioning possible when appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform the essential functions listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist in the care of medically fragile or behaviorally challenged student as directed and or stated in their IEP.
• Assist in the daily instruction of the assigned student and other students.
• Assist with the development, implementation and evaluation of IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in the planning of daily/weekly individual and group lessons based on IEP goals and objectives.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data to modify IEP and help determine program effectiveness.
• Provide all staff with essential information to meet IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in developing and implementing behavior plans for the student.
• Assist with the teaching of appropriate daily living skills, including personal hygiene, communication and classroom routines.
• Change diapers and/or toilet train as needed.
• Assist student with successful transitions such as music, P.E., library, motor activities, lunch, and recess.
• Assist in transferring student, if in a wheelchair, from chair to floor and back, from chair to toilet and back or to special equipment (i.e., Stander, special chair, etc.) using either a hoyer lift or 1 – 2 person lift.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teacher with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• And one of the following
  • AA degree, OR
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, OR
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state approved paraeducator assessment test

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar skills
• Experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Pass a criminal background check
• Washington State driver’s license
• Possess and maintain Type II driver’s license
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements
• Possess and maintain Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Individual education plans (IEPs)
• English grammar and spelling
• Basic math
• Positive behavior interventions
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques
• School Board Policies

ABILITY TO:

Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
Work independently and work collaboratively with others fostering a team approach whenever appropriate.
Maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow District procedures for reporting all absences.
Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to students.
Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
Develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers
Follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision
Speak, read and follow written communications in English
Perform basic spelling, math and grammar skills
Demonstrate the desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent behavior
Demonstrate a caring attitude and establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning
Exercise judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
Interact positively with students, parents and staff in a professional manner and demonstrate a commitment for students and their success
Continue professional growth
Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:

• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
• Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools’ commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

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 will constantly sit, stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and must frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs. Any lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

WORK CONDITIONS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions. This position intermittently works near a video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment. Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a school year assignment. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports to classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Position is evaluated by the building principal or designee.

REPRESENTATION

Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.

This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE – Medical, dental vision, sick and vacation leave, life insurance, retirement.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Update 07/2015

Updated Right Response language 07/2017

Updated 12/2018

Disclaimer

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.

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.

Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.