Paraeducator - LifeSkills High Needs

Sylvania; Hoquiam (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Hoquiam School District No. 28 is seeking a Paraeducator - High Needs LifeSkills to support students with developmental disabilities.

The position involves assisting with academic instruction, behavior interventions, and daily classroom operations under certificated staff supervision. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, plus college coursework or an associate degree, and be willing to complete Right Response training.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing reading interventions (e.g., Read Naturally, Phonics for Reading, Rewards)
• Willingness to receive training in crisis management and de-escalation
• Ability to support students with developmental disabilities and behavioral needs

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering academic instruction across subjects with teacher guidance
• Provide individualized and small-group support and monitor student engagement
• Support implementation of IEPs and behavior programs
• Assist with classroom organization, tests, and score corrections
• Supervise school activities and maintain a tidy, inclusive classroom environment

Skills

Reading interventions

Crisis management

De-escalation

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years college coursework

Associate’s degree or higher

Qualifying academic assessment

Job description

Hoquiam School District No. 28

Paraeducator - High Needs LifeSkills

JOB DESCRIPTION

Open Until Filled - First Screening Date: 8/31/26

Monday - Friday 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM

Required Attachments:

• Cover Letter or Letter of Interest
• Resume
• 3 Letters of Recommendation - Including at least one from a supervisor
• Internal Applicants - Include a minimum of a cover letter and updated resume

Note - Lifeskills position works with high needs students with developmental disabilities. This position requires staff to work with students with personal care needs, social/emotional, and/or behavioral needs. Requires Right Response Training.

Overview:
Hoquiam School District is committed to fostering engaged learners, supporting adaptive pathways for every student, nurturing meaningful relationships, and strengthening community connections. The Educational Assistant plays an essential role in creating inclusive learning environments by supporting students' academic, behavioral, and personal development across diverse settings.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

The Educational Assistant will work under the supervision of certificated staff and may serve students individually, in small groups, or within classroom settings. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Supporting Engaged Learners:

• Assist in the delivery of academic instruction across subject areas
• Provide individualized and small group support aligned with teacher guidance
• Support student learning with supplemental practice, drills, and technology integration
• Monitor and reinforce student engagement in class activities and educational programs
• Mark/score tests, correct student work, and assist with classroom organization

Advancing Adaptive Pathways:

• Support implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Assist with behavioral programs and interventions calmly and consistently
• Monitor and document student performance and behavior
• Help implement specially designed instruction and related services
• Adapt instructional support to meet varied learning needs

Fostering Meaningful Relationships:

• Maintain positive, respectful interactions with students, staff, and families
• Build trust and rapport with students, including those with challenging behaviors
• Demonstrate a commitment to upholding confidentiality and professionalism
• Participate in training and development opportunities to better support student needs
• Model courtesy, patience, and a growth mindset

Strengthening Community Connections:

• Support health and safety procedures across campus (e.g., playground, cafeteria)
• Assist with clerical tasks and material preparation for instructional programs
• Supervise and support school activities and transitions when needed
• Serve as a liaison between instructional staff and students, families, or substitutes
• Maintain a tidy, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate regular, reliable attendance and punctuality
• Use and support technology platforms (Gmail, Google Workspace, Google Classroom, Edgenuity, etc.)
• Exhibit sound judgment and situational awareness
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with students, staff, and community members
• Assist with physical needs, including hygiene, mobility, or lifting as required
• Lift up to 20 lbs. independently and up to 100 lbs. with support
• Provide mentorship and training support to substitute assistants
• Consistently follow and reinforce behavior intervention plans

Working/Environmental Conditions:

• Indoor and outdoor environments, occasionally in varying weather conditions
• Moderate to low noise levels typical of school settings
• Physical activities may include standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Must meet one of the following academic standards:
   A. Two years of college coursework
   B. Associate’s degree or higher
   C. Passing a qualifying academic assessment demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, and math
3. Experience implementing reading interventions (Read Naturally, Phonics for Reading, Rewards)
4. Physical ability to assist adults during student behavioral escalations
5. Willingness to receive training in crisis management, de-escalation, playground supervision
   (Note: Restraint is only used when imminent danger is present)

Preferred:

• Experience working with students in crisis or with behavioral needs
• Familiarity with adaptive physical education or therapeutic activities
• Type II driving permit or willingness to obtain if required

Additional Requirements:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or employment eligibility
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Successful background check
• Strong clerical and organizational skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively

SALARY

$24.58 - $30.72/hr

BENEFITS

State allocation towards dental, vision, medical insurance, retirement, 9 paid holidays, 10 sick leave days, 3 personal leave days.

Employment is contingent upon successful clearance of a Washington State Patrol, FBI fingerprint criminal history background check, and Sexual Misconduct background check.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Hoquiam School District #28 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator Marah Gannaway [e-mail], Director of Student Support Services - 325 W. Chenault Avenue 360.538.8200 and Section 504/ADA Coordinator and HIB Coordinator James Irick [e-mail], Director of Special Services and Teaching & Learning Director - 325 W. Chenault Avenue 360.538.8417