Paraeducator - Employment and Transition Program

Federal Way Public Schools; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools is hiring a paraeducator to support the Employment and Transition Program for students with developmental disabilities. Under supervision of a certificated teacher, you will assist in instructional/tutorial tasks, supervise students, perform clerical duties, and may provide health-related procedures when trained.

The role involves working in small groups, traveling with students, and collaborating with district staff to promote safe, inclusive learning.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; plus one of: AA degree or 48 credits or 72 credits or ParaPro assessment
• Proficient in spelling, math and grammar
• Experience/training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

Responsibilities

• Instruct individuals or small groups under supervision.
• Supervise student groups; assist with work experience/vocational settings.
• Perform clerical tasks.
• Assist health-related procedures as trained.
• Travel with students using district transportation.
• Support safety and security within routines.
• Collaborate with district staff and promote teamwork.

Skills

Spelling

Math basics

Grammar

Reading instruction

Remediation

Assessment

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree / 48 credits / 72 credits / ParaPro

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Employment and Transition Program (ETP) is designed to teach employment personal management and recreation/leisure skills to 18 to 21 year old students with developmental disabilities. Under the general supervision and direction of a certificated teacher, specialist or principal, the Paraeducator performs instructional/tutorial assignments, student supervision, clerical tasks, and may perform health-related procedures as needed. Paraeducators work in a large team‑teaching approach to serve the individual needs of each student. The Paraeducator must also be able to work with small groups of students in work experience and/or vocational settings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Accomplish tasks specific to special assignment while working within legal and special program parameters.
• Work directly under the supervision of a certificated teacher or specialist and follow such directions as given.
• Instruct individuals or small groups, supervise groups for periods of time.
• Perform clerical tasks.
• Perform health-related procedures, as needed, which may include hygiene and diapering issues, and administer special programs and tests, only when properly trained.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Responsible for assisting students in the pool.
• Travel with students using local transit options or District vehicles.

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
• 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 reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in an employment and transition setting with young adults.

Condition Of Employment

• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass fitness for duty examination
• 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
• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training
• Travel with students as needed
• 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:

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. This position will occasionally require getting in a swimming pool.

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.

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.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Update 07/2015

Updated Right Response language 07/2017

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.