Paraeducator - Elementary - Resource Support Program (RSP)

About the role

The Elementary Paraeducator is responsible for supervising and monitoring scholars throughout the school day with specific oversight of the playground, crosswalk, and breakfast/lunch areas. Under the direction of a supervising teacher, this position assists with the basic skills development of students, including students with identified disabilities. Students typically work in small groups or individually either within their regular classroom or in a special area devoted to individualized learning.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor students throughout the school day in accordance with school and district policies.
• Communicate concerns to the principal regarding any violations of safety standards or lack of cooperation on the part of students or drivers.
• Help students problem solve and resolve conflicts.
• Report safety hazards seen on campus to the main office so appropriate action can be taken.
• Assist students with opening food items, wiping up spills, and cleaning up their area.
• Follow protocol when assisting an injured student.
• Establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and redirect student behaviors that are not in line with school behavior expectations.
• Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher in administering special instructional and/or behavioral programs.
• Plan daily/weekly with teachers and other staff members servicing the same students.
• Assist the teacher in communicating with other building/district staff members and parents.
• Inform the advising teacher of any observed problems or information regarding an individual student.
• Perform instructional/tutorial assignments and keep records as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Interact positively with students, parents, and staff; give positive reinforcement to students throughout the day.
• Assist with room maintenance and inventory of books and equipment.
• Assist with health-related procedures for students as assigned.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students in grades K–5.

Condition of Employment

• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete the District’s Paraeducator Core Competency requirements.
• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training.
• 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 if assigned to a Resource Support position.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Knowledge

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Procedures for the proper regulation of traffic and pedestrians and apply procedures as appropriate.
• Different learning styles and how to provide support for learning English grammar and spelling.
• Basic math.
• Positive behavior interventions.
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques.
• School Board policies.

Skills and Abilities

• 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 good work attendance, punctuality, and follow district procedures for reporting 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 to students and their success.
• Continue professional growth.
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly sit, stand, and walk; bend neck and back; and 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 employee regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions and intermittently works near a video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position is occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment. There is potential exposure to infectious diseases.