PARAEDUCATOR – Functional Adaptive (FA) / Social Communications (SC)

South Kitsap High School; Port Orchard (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, WA seeks a Paraeducator for Functional Adaptive (FA) / Social Communications (SC) to provide specialized instructional and safety support to students with significant disabilities. The role requires implementing IEP services, behavior plans, and crisis response while maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Responsible for delivering 1:1 and small-group support, collaborating with teachers and specialists, and documenting student progress,

Qualifications

• Experience documenting crisis prevention and behavior support.
• Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in intensive settings.
• Knowledge of IEPs and IDEA compliance in special education.
• Ability to work with students with significant behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities

• Apply specialized training in behavior intervention and de-escalation.
• Deliver modified instruction aligned with IEP goals.
• Support safety response and crisis management.
• Collaborate with certificated staff and multidisciplinary teams.
• Collect and maintain data on behaviors and progress.
• Provide 1:1 and small group support to students.

Skills

De-escalation

Crisis prevention

Behavior support

Data collection

Collaboration

Safety procedures

Communication

1:1 support

Education

Associate's degree or higher

Paraeducator Certificate Program

High school diploma or equivalent

RBT / SBT / BT certification

Tools

CPI / De-escalation training

Job description

PARAEDUCATOR – Functional Adaptive (FA) / Social Communications (SC)

South Kitsap School District South Kitsap High School - Port Orchard, Washington Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5860435

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Aug 26, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Job Description

PARAEDUCATOR – Functional Adaptive (FA) / Social Communications (SC)

Reports To:

Building Principal

Bargaining Unit:

PSE

Department:

Office of Special Services

Salary Schedule:

Schedule A-Sup/Inst.

Employment Type:

Classified

Salary Range:

V

FLSA Status:

Hourly

Adoption Date:

5/26/2026

Hours per Day:

6.5

Revised Date:

Days per Year:

181 (+11 Holidays) = 192

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, families, staff and community members.
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

COMMENTS: When working in environments where de‑escalation, isolation, and restraint training is required, employees will be compensated at a rate of an additional $0.50 per hour (elementary) or $0.75 per hour (secondary).

THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IS NOW REQUIRING ALL PARAEDUCATORS TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND/OR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS OR GED TO MEET TITLE 1, PART A FEDERAL LAW REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE PROVIDE OUR OFFICE WITH A COPY PRIOR TO BEING THE SELECTED CANDIDATE.

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraeducator - Functional Adaptive (FA) / Social Communications (SC) is done for the purpose/s of providing highly specialized instructional, behavioral, and safety support to students with significant disabilities whose needs require continuous supervision, intensive intervention, and frequent crisis response. Specialized intensive behavior support.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: This position implements complex, legally mandated IEP services, including Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), safety plans, and emergency protocols, and expectation to exercise independent judgement and trained decision‑making in unpredictable, high‑risk situations to maintain a safe educational environment for all students and staff.

This job reports to Building Administrator.

Essential Functions:

• Applies specialized training in behavior intervention, crisis prevention, and de‑escalation for the purpose of addressing unsafe behaviors.
• Assists in delivering modified and accommodated instruction for the purpose of aligning with student IEP goals.
• Assists in campus‑wide safety response when student behaviors escalates for the purpose of maintaining a safe and secure education environment for all students and staff.
• Collaborates regularly with certificated staff and multidisciplinary team members for the purpose of ensuring coordinated implementation of services and supports.
• Collects and maintains detailed, accurate data on behaviors, interventions, and student progress for the purpose of compliance and program decision‑making.
• Exercises independent judgment within established protocols for the purpose of making real‑time decisions during behavioral escalation and crisis situations.
• Facilitates safe participation in general education and less restrictive environments, requiring active behavior support and adaptation for the purpose of supporting a positive learning environment for all students and staff.
• Implements Individualized Education Program (IEP)-driven services, including Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), with fidelity and consistency for the purpose of ensuring compliance with state and federal special education laws.
• Maintains heightened situational awareness and proactive supervision across all school environments for the purpose of supporting a safe and positive educational environment for all students and staff.
• Monitors, anticipates, and responds to behaviors that present a risk of harm, including aggression, elopement, and severe dysregulation for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for students and staff.
• Participates in required and ongoing specialized trainings for the purpose of maintaining minimum qualifications of the position.
• Performs related duties as required for the purpose of ensuring program safety, compliance, and effectiveness.
• Provides intensive, individualized (1:1 and small group) support for students with significant behavioral, communication, and adaptive needs under the direction of the supervising teacher or specialist for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Supports structured transitions and unstructured settings, where behavioral risk is often increased for the purpose of maintaining a safe educational environment for all students and staff.
• Supports development of functional communication, self‑regulation, and adaptive life skills using structured, evidence-based strategies for the purpose of maintaining a positive learning environment for all students and staff.
• Utilizes approved physical intervention techniques in accordance with district policy when necessary for the purpose of ensuring student and staff safety.

Other Functions

May be assigned as a designated 1:1 support for students with intensive needs for the purpose of providing required continuous proximity and immediate response capability. Performs other related duties as assigned, may be assigned to a student as a 1:1 paraeducator for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records. Meet and maintain all state and district paraprofessional requirements.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand multi‑step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge‑based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include instructional procedures and practices; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior; de‑escalation strategies. Demonstrate ability to work in environment requiring sustained attention, rapid response, and physical stamina; ability to implement trained behavioral and safety procedures with consistency and accuracy; and ability to remain composed and effective during crisis situations.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider several factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job‑related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability‑based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and rapid movement; ability to safely perform physical interventions, including blocking, escorting, and stabilizing students; ability to lift, support, or assist students as needed; ability to respond immediately to elopement and/or unsafe behavior.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There are some opportunities to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, 40% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Position may involve multiple settings and unpredictable daily assignments. Regular exposure to physically and emotionally intensive situations; high‑demand educational setting with elevated behavioral and safety risks; and consistent vigilance, emotional regulation, and adherence to safety protocols.

Experience: Job related experience is desired in documenting training in crisis prevention /intervention and behavior support methodologies (e.g., Safety Care, CPI, Right Response ABA‑informed practices), experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in intensive settings, knowledge of Special Education compliance requirements (IEPs, IDEA), experience with students demonstrating significant behavioral challenges, including autism and emotional disturbance.

Education (Preferred): Associate's degree or higher. Paraeducator Certificate Program completion.

Education (Minimum): High school diploma or equivalent with an emphasis in Completion of an Associate’s degree OR completion of two (2) years of college, or seventy‑two (72) quarter or forty‑eight (48) semester credits, or passage of the State of Washington’s Para Pro Assessment.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT); or Skills‑Based Treatment (SBT), or Behavior Technician (BT) which must be completed within first 90 days of employment.

Required Testing

Job-Related Skills Proficiency Test

Washington’s Para Pro Assessment

Certificates and Licenses

CPR/First Aid Certificate

Valid Washington State Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability

Paraeducator Certificate Program

De‑escalation, isolation, and restraint training Registered Behavior Technician (RBT); or Skills‑Based Treatment (SBT) or Behavior Technician (BT)

Continuing Educ./Training

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances

Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint Background Clearance

Other Requirements:

• Completed online application (with supporting documents)

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, please visit SEBB and SEBB Enrollment Guide or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at [phone] or [e-mail] .

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $29.20 to $32.84 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Sadie Hoettel
• 2689 Hoover Ave. SE
• Port Orchard, Washington 98366
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably‑discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
[e-mail]

Section 504 Coordinator:
Eric Nerison

Executive Director of Student Support

2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366

360-443-7062

[e-mail]

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Monica Zuber,
Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
[e-mail]

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities. For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at [phone].

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug‑free, tobacco‑free environment for all persons‑students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.