Paraeducator - 1:1

About the role

The paraeducator in this position will work one-on-one with a special needs student under the direction of a certified teacher, specialist, or principal. Students may be medically fragile and/or exhibit behavior problems ranging from mild to severe. The role supports the teacher and other caregivers with instructional and physical tasks to help the student achieve the highest level of independent functioning possible.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the care of medically fragile or behaviorally challenged students as directed and/or stated in their IEP.
• Assist in the daily instruction of the assigned student and other students.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in planning daily/weekly individual and group lessons based on IEP goals and objectives.
• 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 teaching appropriate daily living skills, including personal hygiene, communication, and classroom routines.
• Change diapers and/or toilet train as needed.
• Assist students with successful transitions such as music, P.E., library, motor activities, lunch, and recess.
• Assist in transferring students, if in a wheelchair, from chair to floor and back, from chair to toilet and back, or to special equipment (e.g., Stander, special chair) using either a hoyer lift or 1-2 person lift.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teachers with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

Requirements

• 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.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Experienced and/or trained in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Possess and maintain a Washington State driver’s license and Type II driver’s license.
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements.
• Possess and maintain Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certification.
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Skills

• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and basic math.
• Understanding of Positive Behavior Interventions and Right Response de-escalation techniques.
• Familiarity with school board policies.
• Basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, fostering a team approach.
• Strong work attendance record and punctuality.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to students.
• Effective safety and security practices.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision.
• Desire, skill, and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, which may include violent behavior.
• Caring attitude and ability to establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning.
• Judgment to act independently or refer to higher authority as needed.
• Adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality requirements.
• Effective communication with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Commitment to continuing professional growth.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Cultural Competence and Equity

• Knowledge and awareness of own cultural identity and how it influences behavior, with a 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 while celebrating their group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Constantly sit, stand, walk, bend neck and back, and use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling.
• Frequently squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation.
• Occasionally climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry.
• Constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs.
• Frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs (anything over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly work in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently work near a video display.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Schedule

This is a school-year assignment. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.

Benefits

This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Sick and vacation leave.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.