Paraeducator Specialist 1:1 (Behavior) @ Columbia Middle School

Young World Physical Education; Moses Lake (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Moses Lake School District 161 Columbia Middle School in Moses Lake, WA is seeking a Paraeducator Specialist 1:1 (Behavioral) to support a student with individualized education program needs. This full-time role involves assisting with daily activities, behavior management, and academic tasks during the school day.

The position requires 72 college credits or a degree, or passing ETS assessment, with guardianship of safety and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have earned 72 college credits or possess a college degree, or be able to pass the ETS Assessment.
• Experience working with students in both individual and small group instructional situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized 1:1 support tailored to the student’s IEP.
• Assist with behavioral and academic activities to engage the student.
• Collaborate with the student’s case manager and staff to implement strategies.
• Promote independence and safe interaction with peers and staff.
• Follow the Behavior Intervention Plan and use de-escalation techniques.

Skills

Student support

Behavior management

Classroom supervision

Communication with staff

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

72 college credits or college degree

Able to pass ETS Assessment

Job description

Moses Lake School District 161 Columbia Middle School - Moses Lake, Washington Open in Google Maps

Moses Lake School District 161 Columbia Middle School - Moses Lake, Washington Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Moses Lake School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5885439

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 13, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Sep 2, 2026

Job Description

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Classified Salary Range

Benefits Available

PARAEDUCATOR SPECIALIST 1:1(Behavioral)

Columbia Middle School

6.50 hrs per day/180 days per year

Shift time is subject to building needs.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

If you do not have the minimum college credits for this position, you may take the ParaeducatorAssessment. Complete this FORM if you'd like to be scheduled for the assessment.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have earned 72 college level credits from an accredited institution of higher education, have a college degree, or be able to pass the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Assessment.
• Previous experience working with students in both individual and small group instructional situations.
• Working knowledge of education fundamentals; training and experience using current curriculum preferred.
• Previous experience and/or training working with students in a classroom setting.
• Must have proven ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to manage large groups of students in an unstructured environment while maintaining a high level of safety.
• Must have proven record of punctuality and consistent attendance.
• Must be willing and able to assist students with personal management, including toileting, changing, eating, and other personal hygiene.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Individualized Support: Each 1:1 Specialist Paraeducator position is unique and tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual student they are assigned to support. The level and type of assistance provided will depend on the student’s unique physical, emotional, behavioral, and academic requirements, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Behavior and Academic Support: The role primarily involves providing behavioral and academic support, with a focus on helping the student engage successfully in learning activities while maintaining emotional regulation. The paraeducator will collaborate with the student’s case manager and other staff to implement strategies designed to enhance the student's participation and success in both academic and non-academic settings.
• Supervision and Collaboration: The direct supervisor for the 1:1 paraeducator is the student’s case manager, who will oversee and guide the paraeducator in supporting the student’s individual needs. Clear and consistent communication with the case manager is essential for coordinating strategies and ensuring that interventions are effectively meeting the student’s goals.
• Promoting Independence: A primary goal of the 1:1 Specialist Paraeducator is to assist the student in developing skills that promote independence. This includes fostering the student’s ability to complete tasks, manage behaviors, and interact with peers and staff in an appropriate and autonomous manner.
• Behavior Intervention and De-escalation: Paraeducators are required to follow the student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) precisely. This involves recognizing triggers, implementing preventive strategies, and using positive behavior supports to de-escalate challenging behaviors. Paraeducators are expected to use district-approved de-escalation techniques and interventions to manage situations safely and effectively.
• Safety Care Training: Completion of Safety Care Behavioral Safety Training is mandatory for all 1:1 paraeducators. This training equips staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to handle crises safely, respond to challenging behaviors, and ensure the safety and well-being of both the student and staff.
• Collaboration with Supervising Teacher: Paraeducators must maintain open and regular communication with the student’s case manager, who provides direct oversight. This includes updating the case manager on the student’s progress, behavior, and any challenges encountered, ensuring that interventions remain consistent and effective.
• Adaptive Responsibilities: Given the unique nature of each 1:1 assignment, paraeducators may be required to assist with a range of personal care tasks (e.g., toileting, feeding, mobility assistance), as well as academic and behavioral interventions. Flexibility and adaptability are critical to responding to the changing needs of the student.
• Professional Development and Training: Paraeducators will participate in ongoing professional development to deepen their understanding of the student’s needs and improve their skills in using assistive technologies, behavior management strategies, and other tools necessary for supporting the student’s independence and success.
• Compliance with Policies and Procedures: Paraeducators are expected to adhere to all district policies and procedures, including maintaining confidentiality, supporting a positive learning environment, and following prescribed schedules and routines to ensure the student's academic and social development is fully supported.
• Attendance:
  Always punctual. If absences are required, informs the supervisor early enough so that normal workflow is not interrupted as well as enters absence in the district absence management system.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal history clearance through Washington State Patrol and FBI. Fingerprinting cost is the responsibility of the employee.
• Complete required Safe Schools trainings
• Obtain and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Obtain and maintain Safety Care certification.
• Within the first year of employment, successfully complete the Washington State Fundamental Course of Study for Paraeducators provided by the District, as defined in RCW 28A.413.070, and continue to meet future requirements as mandated by the State.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged 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 Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX, affirmatively action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, [phone], [e-mail]; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, [e-mail]

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $21.69 to $26.67 Salary Range: Per P.S.E. Contract Schedule

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Human Resources
• 1620 S. Pioneer Way Moses Lake, WA 98837
• Moses Lake, Washington 98837
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]