Paraeducator – Functional Core Program 1:1

Federal Way Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 42,633,964 - 46,572,523; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking a paraeducator to support a 1:1 scholar in a functional core program at Thomas Jefferson High School. The role includes assisting with health care tasks, mobility, and behavior support under a certificated teacher.

Workdays are Monday through Friday, 7:00–1:45 (early release Fridays 7:00–12:45). This is a school-year assignment with a 30-minute unpaid lunch, a paid break, and bus travel time with the scholar.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• AA degree or equivalent credits or pass state exam options.
• Pass the state approved paraeducator assessment test.
• Experience with students with disabilities is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting IEP goals and keep records.
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed; maintain safety.
• Provide personal care and assist with health procedures as needed.
• Supervise students during meals, recess, and activities.

Skills

Student Support

IEP Knowledge

Safety Procedures

Medical Assistance

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree or equivalent credits

Paraeducator assessment test

Job description

Paraeducator – Functional Core Program 1:1 JobID: 12968

Position Type: ParaEducator (School Aide)/ Assistant working 1:1 w/ Scholar

Date Posted: 7/8/2026

Location: Thomas Jefferson High School

Days of the Week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Hours per Day: 6 hours per day; $28.60 - $31.34 DOE

Days per Year: 180

Shift Times: M-Th: 7:00-1:45; F: 7:00-12:45 Early Release (These shift times include a 30 minute unpaid lunch break, a 15 minute paid break, and an hour of bus travel time with the scholar.)

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

• 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

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.

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.

EEO Statement

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 Description Note

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.