Paraeducator - Functional Core Program

Federal Way Public Schools; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools seeks a paraeducator to support students in the Functional Core program and resource room. You will assist with learning, personal care, and health-related tasks under the supervision of a certificated teacher.

The role requires handling IEP goals, maintaining records, and working in a team to support students with disabilities. Training in PBIS and safety procedures is preferred.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in basic spelling, math and grammar is required.
• Experience reading instruction, remediation, and assessment is preferred.
• Knowledge of IEPs and special education practices is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting IEP goals/objectives and maintain records.
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed.
• Support student personal care needs including feeding and toileting.
• Administer medical procedures under RN supervision and assist with health-related tasks.
• Supervise students during meals, recess, and activity periods.
• Work under teacher direction in instructional and non-instructional tasks.

Skills

IEP knowledge

PBIS & behavioral supports

Basic spelling/math/grammar

Health care support experience

Education

AA degree

High school diploma + 48 college credits

High school diploma + paraeducator test

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Federal Way Public Schools

• Date Posted: 10/7/2026
• Date Available: Upon Hire
• Closing Date: 10/14/2026
• Hours per Day: 6.0 hours;
• Days of the Week: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday

This position supports 3 hours of Resource Room and 3 hours of Functional Core

POSITION SUMMARY

The functional core program (FCP) is for students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the functional life skills domain. This position requires the paraeducator to work under the direction of a certificated teacher. Duties include instructional and non-instructional activities for special education students. The paraeducator's role is to assist students with learning and health care needs such as: feeding, tube feeding, toileting, catheterization, and lifting. This position may also require the paraeducator to work with students who have behavior problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties 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.

• Under the direction of the certificated teacher, the paraeducator will assist students with meeting their IEP goals/objectives and keep accurate records.
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed.
• Keep the facilities clean and safe.
• Assist students with washing, diapering, toileting, assist students with personal hygiene, and other personal care.
• Perform medical procedures and determined by a registered nurse such as: administration of medication, catheterization, suctioning, and tube feeding.
• Lift and properly position medically fragile students frequently.
• Work with students that have behavior problems that may require restraining. Demonstrate the ability to implement and follow behavior plans.
• Supervise/assist students at lunch, recess, Adaptive PE., music, library and possibly in a regular education classroom setting or out in the community.
• Assist student on and off the bus.
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff.
• Report and direct any questions or concerns brought to you by parents or support staff to your immediate supervisor.
• 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
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits
  • 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and knowledge of working with students with special health care needs and developmental disabilities

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.

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

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.

Postings current as of 10/10/2026 9:11:24 AM CST.

Need Help?

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Federal Way Public Schools Nondiscrimination Statement

Federal Way Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, religion, creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, marital or family status, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

If you have questions or complaints regarding alleged discrimination please email one of the coordinators listed below, or call the district office at 253-945-2000 and ask for one of the coordinators listed below.

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Diane Ellis

[phone]

[e-mail]

Title IX Coordinator

Diane Ellis

[phone]

[e-mail]

504 Compliace Coordinator

Toni Cheever

[e-mail]

ADA Compliance Coordinator

Jennifer Hymer

[e-mail]

Federal Way Public Schools Equal Employment Opportunities Statement

Federal Way Public Schools provides equal employment opportunity and treatment for all applicants and staff in recruitment, hiring, retention, assignment, transfer, promotion and training, and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, religion, creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, marital or family status, veteran or military status; disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.

If you have questions or complaints regarding alleged discrimination please contact the district office at 33330 8 th Avenue, and ask for one of the following coordinators:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Diane Ellis

[phone]

[e-mail]

Title IX Coordinator

Diane Ellis

[phone]

[e-mail]

504/ADA Coordinator

Toni Cheever

[phone]

[e-mail]