Paraeducator - Vision Program 1:1

Federal Way Public Schools; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools seeks a paraeducator to work 1:1 with a student who has visual impairments. You will support instruction, modify materials for visual efficiency, and operate specialized equipment under the supervision of a certificated teacher.

This role emphasizes data collection, collaboration, and promoting student independence. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional college credits or paraeducator credentials.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• AA degree or 48 college credits or 72 college credits or pass paraeducator assessment test.
• Proficiency in basic spelling, math and grammar.
• Experience with visually impaired students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist vision program staff with modifications and supplemental services for visually impaired students.
• Support in implementing each student’s IEP goals and objectives.
• Prepare and manage braille, large print and audio materials and equipment.
• Maintain communication with vision program staff and district personnel.
• Operate and assist with Braillers and low vision devices.
• Train staff in use of specialized equipment.
• Contribute to data collection and analysis to modify IEPs.
• Assist with daily living skills and transitions for students.
• Ensure confidentiality of student records and assist with reports.

Skills

Student support

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree

48 college credits

72 college credits

Paraeducator assessment

Tools

Braillers

Low vision devices

Hoyer lift

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The paraeducator in this position must be willing to work 1:1 with a special needs student under the direction of the certificated teacher of the visually impaired. By providing direct instruction to students to increase their visual efficiency skills, modifying materials and assisting students in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Assist the vision program staff with modifications and supplemental services necessary for the education of students with visual impairments.
• Assist in implementing each student’s IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in the production, ordering, dissemination and return of braille, large print and audio materials and equipment.
• Maintain communication with the vision program supervisor and staff, and other district personnel and agencies.
• Operate, and assist students in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment such as Braillers, keyboarding equipment, electronic scanners, low vision devices, and personal computers.
• Train other staff members in the use of specialized equipment.
• Assist in providing instruction to students on how to use low vision devices and equipment.
• Work toward developing and maintaining, in oneself and in the students, proper attitudes, good work habits and respect for the rights and properties of others and to maximize students’ independence.
• Assist in the maintenance of confidentially of student records.
• Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports.
• Keep instructional staff informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.
• Assist the vision program staff with promoting and maintaining program goals.
• Provide technical information to paraeducators and other staff regarding accommodations and materials used by visually impaired students.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data to modify IEP and help determine program effectiveness.
• Provide all staff with essential information to meet IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in developing and implementing behavior plans for the student.
• Assist with the teaching of appropriate daily living skills, including personal hygiene, communication and classroom routines.
• Change diapers and/or toilet train as needed.
• Assist student with successful transitions such as music, P.E., library, motor activities, lunch, and recess.
• Assist in transferring student, if in a wheelchair, from chair to floor and back, from chair to toilet and back or to special equipment (i.e., Stander, special chair, etc.) using either a Hoyer lift or 1 - 2 person lift.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

Other Responsibilities

• 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, OR
• High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, OR
• High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state approved paraeducator assessment test

Additional Requirements

Have proficiency in basic spelling, math and grammar skills

Possess strong background and training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with visually impaired students

Condition Of Employment

Pass a criminal background check

Possess and maintain district-paid Type II driver's license

Possess and maintain district-paid Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course

Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements

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

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 frequently 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 sit, climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 5 pounds and must frequently lift/carry up to 10 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 20 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 conditions and intermittently works near video display. The employee occasionally may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position regularly requires exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment.

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.

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.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Update 07/2015

Updated 06/2017 to new format

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.