Paraprofessional Substitute for School Year 2026-2027 (Hourly)

Seattle Public Schools; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools seeks a dedicated Special Education Assistant Substitute to support students with special needs across regular and self-contained classrooms. You will help implement IEP objectives, monitor behavior, and contribute to a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities vary by school and can include personal care support, adapting materials, and assisting with behavioral plans. Flexibility to substitute throughout the district is essential, along with engagement with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with additional college credits or degree as specified.
• One year of related paid or volunteer work experience.
• Certification such as Praxis Parapro may substitute experience.

Responsibilities

• Adapt classroom activities and materials under teacher direction to include all students.
• Administer a variety of assignments and support progress documentation.
• Administer first aid and medical assistance when required.
• Assist students with personal care needs as needed.
• Contribute to behavioral plans and safe learning environment.
• Instruct students in activities to reinforce instructional objectives and meet IEP goals.
• Maintain materials and student records for accessibility and accuracy.
• Monitor students across different school environments to ensure safety.

Skills

Safety practices

Record keeping

Office equipment

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school + college credits

Job description

Overview of Position

The Special Education Assistant Substitute assists in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings as requested.

Special Education Assistant Substitute job duties vary according to the school/program needs, i.e., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism, etc.

Essential Functions

• Adapts, under the direction of the teacher. classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities.
• Administers a variety of materials and assignments (e.g. tests, homework, grades papers, folders, etc.) for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students' progress and/or organizing the individual needs of the student.
• Administers first aid and medical assistance as required for the purpose of providing appropriate care for injured children.
• Assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations for the purpose of allowing students to function in school environment.
• Directs and Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs, protecting the safety of the child and others, and providing a consistent environment.
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives, implement plans for remediation of students deficiencies in accordance with students individual educational program goals and ensuring students success in school.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, checking papers, attendance, set up adapted projects, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of aiding students and providing a safe and positive learning environment.

Other Functions

• Must be willing to substitute at schools throughout the District and in all types of classrooms.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to building Principal or assigned Special Education Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge

is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.

Skills

are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Ability

is required to gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions. Ability to key-board; learn to use personal computers. May require the ability to do basic signing.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the Organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting – up to 60 to 90 pounds or more, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. May need to handle medically fragile children, attend to students' physical needs, which may include toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding and assisting menstruating students; support structured learning and behavior shaping activities. Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Education

Typical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1) completion of an associate degree, OR 2) completion of two years of college, not a degree but seventy-two (72) quarter hours or forty-eight(48) semester hours of college credit, or 3) a passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.

Years Of Relevant Experience

One (1) year of related paid or volunteer work experience.

Substitution

Certification as a special education teacher will substitute for the experience requirement. Education and work experience of categorically funded positions must be in compliance with applicable federal and state guidelines.

Required Testing

None Specified

Certificates & Licenses

Valid State of Washington Driver's License

Continuing Education/Training

• Secure Training
• CPR/First Aid

Clearances

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint
• Background Clearance

Required Documents

• Resume
• Proof of Completed High School Education or Higher - Copy of your High School or College transcript, diploma or GEDmust be attached.
• References: Two (2) Professional references most be provided at the time you apply. One of the references most be your most recent supervisor. Please provide name and accurate email address. Your reference will automatically be contacted once you submit your application. Your application will not be processed until all references have been received by SPS.
• If you are a former or current SPS employee one of the references must be your last or current SPS supervisor.
• NOTE SPS will not be able to confirm if your references have been completed and received. It is your responsibility to confirm with your references that they have completed the reference and returned to SPS.

Hourly staff accrue sick leave at the rate of 1:40 per the Washington Paid Sick Leave law; eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under conditions of the School Employees Benefits Board through the state of Washington.

This position is not eligible for Health benefits.