Paraeducator - Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program

Federal Way Public Schools; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools seeks a DHH paraeducator to support Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in Pre-K and DHH classes at Sherwood Forest Elementary School. You will work under the direction of a certified teacher, assisting with IEP goals, daily instruction, and data collection.

The role requires collaboration with the DHH case manager, implementation of behavior plans, and support for communication and daily living skills in inclusive settings.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• One of: AA degree, 48 college-level credits, 72 college-level credits, or passing the ParaPro Assessment.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementation and evaluation of IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in daily instruction of the assigned student and others in group activities.
• Assist in planning daily/weekly lessons based on IEP goals.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data to modify IEP and assess program effectiveness.
• Provide staff with information to meet IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in developing and implementing behavior plans for the student.
• Assist with teaching daily living skills, communication, and routines.
• Assist with transitions between activities and locations.

Skills

Sign language (conversational)

Communication with students/staff

Data collection and progress tracking

Team collaboration

Education

AA degree

48 college-level credits

72 college-level credits

ParaPro Assessment

Tools

Assistive listening equipment

Job description

This position is supporting our Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Pre‑K and DHH 1-3 classrooms at Sherwood Forest Elementary School.

POSITION SUMMARY: The paraeducator in this position must be willing to work with deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) students under the direction of a certified teacher, specialist or principal. The D/HH paraeducator's duties include assisting D/HH students in a variety of educational settings including D/HH and mainstream classrooms under the supervision of the deaf and hard of hearing case manager. The type and degree of assistance, communication, and intervention will be directed by the D/HH case manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the implementation and evaluation of IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in the daily instruction of the assigned student and other students in group activities.
• 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, toileting, feeding, other self-help skills, communication, and classroom routines.
• Assist student with successful transitions such as arrival, dismissal, 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.

Other Responsibilities

• Prepare classroom or instructional materials, as requested
• 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:

Per Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Regulations, new hires must have:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent,
• And one of the following:
  • AA degree, OR
  • 48 College‑Level Semester Credits, OR
  • 72 College‑Level Quarter Credits, OR
  • Pass the state approved ParaPro Assessment

Additional Requirements

Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar skills

Experienced and/or training in language development as it relates to reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with deaf/hard of hearing students

Condition Of Employment

Pass a criminal background check

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

Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training

Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

Knowledge Of

Individual education plans (IEPs)

Assistive listening equipment (personal hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, sound field systems)

English grammar and spelling

Basic math

Positive behavior interventions

Right Response and de‑escalation techniques

School Board Policies

Ability To

Use a sign language system in a non-interpretive manner at a conversational level

Assist with the monitoring and care of Assistive listening equipment (personal hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, sound field systems)

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

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

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 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.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Update 07/2015

Updated Right Response language 07/2017

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.