Secondary Paraeducator - Multilingual Program

Federal Way Public Schools; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking a Paraeducator to support English language learners from K‑12, focusing on developing spoken and written language and assessing native language proficiency in Spanish. Duties include testing students, translating materials for teachers and parents, and accompanying conferences, with emphasis on teamwork with classroom teachers, parents, and staff.

This role requires dependable attendance, basic spelling, math, and grammar, plus the ability to work

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Either an AA degree, or 48 college credits (semester) or 72 quarter credits, or pass the paraeducator assessment test.
• Bilingual and cultural awareness preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with students on developing their English language skills.
• Assist students with English skills throughout the curriculum.
• Assist teacher in preparing the classroom and materials.
• Assist teacher in keeping accurate records.
• Develop a good rapport with the teacher, students, staff and parents.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree

48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits

Pass the paraeducator assessment test

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position requires the Paraeducator to support students for whom English is the second language. The focus of this program will be to assist students in the development of spoken and written language. This position requires the Paraeducator to work with students K-12 to determine their native language proficiency in Spanish, to support their placement and success in the mainstream classroom. Other duties included are testing students, filing, and translating materials for the certificated teacher and parents. The Paraeducator may also be asked to attend and translate at parent/teacher conferences.

The goal of this position is to work as a team, collaborating with the regular education classroom teachers, parents and other staff members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work with students on developing their English language skills. This instruction may occur in small groups or one on one.
• Assist students with English skills throughout the curriculum.
• Assist teacher in preparing the classroom and materials.
• Assist teacher in keeping accurate records.
• Develop a good rapport with the teacher, students, staff and parents.
• 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, 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

• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar skills
• Experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual
• Possess an understanding of other cultures
• Experience working with student whose native language is not English

Condition Of Employment

• Pass a criminal background check
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

Knowledge Of

• Knowledge of Individual Education Plan (IEP's)
• Positive Behavior Training Certificated Course
• English grammar and spelling
• Basic math
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• 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

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 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

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 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

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.

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.