Paraeducator - Deaf/Hard of Hearing 1:1

This is a one-on-one paraeducator position at Sherwood Forest Elementary School working with a scholar in our Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) program. The paraeducator must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) to provide signing support for this scholar.

About the Role

The paraeducator will work 1:1 with a deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) student under the direction of a certified teacher, specialist, or principal. Duties include assisting the student in various educational settings, including D/HH and mainstream classrooms, under the supervision of the deaf and hard of hearing case manager. The type and degree of assistance, communication, and intervention will be directed by the D/HH case manager.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation and evaluation of IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in the daily instruction of the assigned student and other students in group activities.
• Assist in the planning of 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 the teaching of appropriate daily living skills, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding, other self-help skills, communication, and classroom routines.
• Assist student with successful transitions such as arrival, dismissal, 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 (e.g., Stander, special chair) using either a Hoyer lift or 1–2 person lift.
• Prepare classroom or instructional materials, as requested.
• 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.

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 language development as it relates to reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• 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.
• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with deaf/hard of hearing students.

Skills & Knowledge

• Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Assistive listening equipment (personal hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, sound field systems).
• English grammar and spelling.
• Basic math.
• Positive behavior interventions.
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques.
• School Board Policies.
• Ability to use a sign language system in a non-interpretive manner at a conversational level.
• Ability to assist with the monitoring and care of assistive listening equipment.
• Basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, fostering a team approach.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to students.
• Effective safety and security practices within work routines.
• 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 when appropriate and when to refer to higher authority.
• 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.
• Positive interaction with students, parents, and staff in a professional manner, demonstrating a commitment to student success.
• Commitment to continuing professional growth.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Cultural Competence & 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.
• 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, 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 (lifting 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 works in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently works 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

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (prorated based on FTE).
• Sick and vacation leave.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.