Paraeducator - Employment and Transition Program 1:1

This position works 1:1 with a student in the Employment and Transition Program (ETP), designed to teach employment, personal management, and recreation/leisure skills to 18 to 21-year-old students with developmental disabilities.

About the role

Under the general supervision and direction of a certificated teacher, specialist, or principal, the Paraeducator performs instructional/tutorial assignments, student supervision, clerical tasks, and may perform health-related procedures as needed. Paraeducators work in a large team-teaching approach to serve the individual needs of each student and must also be able to work with small groups of students in work experience and/or vocational settings.

Responsibilities

• Accomplish tasks specific to special assignment while working within legal and special program parameters.
• Work directly under the supervision of a certificated teacher or specialist and follow given directions.
• Instruct individuals or small groups, supervise groups for periods of time.
• Perform clerical tasks.
• Perform health-related procedures, as needed, which may include hygiene and diapering issues, and administer special programs and tests, only when properly trained.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Assist students in the pool.
• Travel with students using local transit options or District vehicles.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent, and one of the following:
  • AA degree, OR
  • 48 College-Level Semester Credits, OR
  • 72 College-Level Quarter Credits, OR
  • Pass the state-approved ParaPro Assessment.
• Proficiency in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Experience and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check and fitness for duty examination.
• Possess a Washington State driver's license and maintain a 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.
• 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 in an employment and transition setting with young adults.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), 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 to increase knowledge to proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others fostering a team approach.
• Ability to maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow District procedures for reporting all absences.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility, and a commitment to students.
• Ability to recognize when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Ability to interact positively with students, parents, and staff in a professional manner.
• 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

• Constantly sitting, standing, and walking; bending neck and back; using hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling.
• Frequently required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation.
• Occasionally required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry.
• Must constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs (any lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device).
• Occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.
• 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.
• Occasionally required to get in a swimming pool.

Schedule

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

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.