Secondary Paraeducator - Resource Support Program

Federal Way Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 36,575 - 40,349; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools in Thomas Jefferson High School seeks a Secondary Paraeducator for the Resource Support Program. You will assist with one-on-one and small group instruction under supervision, perform clerical tasks, and supervise students during the day.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent with preferred AA degree or higher; experience with students with disabilities is valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience or training in reading instruction and assessment preferred.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar.

Responsibilities

• Tutor individuals and groups in specified skills as directed by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher with instructional or behavioral programs.
• Communicate with resource personnel and school staff.
• Supervise students according to policies and procedures.
• Plan daily/weekly with teachers serving the same students.
• Assist with record keeping and communications with families.
• Support classroom safety and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Provide clerical tasks as needed and assist substitute teachers.
• Maintain attendance and punctuality, following district procedures.
• Support use of technology and adapt to students' needs.
• Promote positive behavior and de-escalation techniques.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and partners.

Skills

Disability support

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree or higher preferred

Job description

Secondary Paraeducator - Resource Support Program

• Job ID: 13029
• Date Posted: 7/16/2026
• Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
• Days of the Week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• Shift Times: 7:15 AM to 2:00 PM Monday‑Thursday, 7:15 AM to 1:00 PM Friday (includes 30 minute unpaid lunch and 15 minute paid break)
• Hours per Day: 6 hours; $26.55 - $29.29 DOE
• Days per Year: 180

Position Summary

Resource Support Programs (RSP) are provided to students with identified disabilities who demonstrate an increased need in one or more academic domains. The Paraeducator assists with special education students ranging from one‑on‑one to small group instructional activities under the supervision of the certificated teacher/specialist. Other duties include clerical tasks and supervision of assigned students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher in administering special instructional or behavioral programs.
• Communicate and work with related resource personnel.
• Supervise students in accordance with the school and district policies.
• Plan daily/weekly with the teachers and other staff serving the same students.
• Assist students and teacher with record keeping.
• Assist the teacher in communicating with building/district staff members.
• Assist the teacher in communicating with parents.
• Discuss information pertaining to students with teacher or appropriate building staff.
• Inform the advising teacher of any observed problems or information regarding an individual student.
• Give positive reinforcement to students during the school day.
• Assist with room maintenance and control of books and equipment.
• Assist substitute teacher with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.
• 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
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college‑level semester credits or 72 college‑level quarter credits
  • 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 trained in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities

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

• Individual Education Plan (IEP's)
• English grammar and spelling
• Basic math
• Positive behavior interventions
• 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 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 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. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

The employee regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions. The position intermittently works near a video display. The noise level 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 and 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‑in‑clusive 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.