Paraeducator – Functional Core Program 1:1

This position requires the paraeducator to work under the direction of a certificated teacher in the Functional Core Program (FCP), which serves students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the functional life skills domain.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting their IEP goals/objectives and keep accurate records.
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed.
• Maintain clean and safe facilities.
• Assist students with washing, diapering, toileting, personal hygiene, and other personal care.
• Perform medical procedures as determined by a registered nurse, such as administration of medication, catheterization, suctioning, and tube feeding.
• Lift and properly position medically fragile students frequently.
• Work with students who have behavior problems, including implementing and following behavior plans and restraining when necessary.
• Supervise and assist students at lunch, recess, Adaptive PE, music, library, and in regular education classroom settings or out in the community.
• Assist students on and off the bus.
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff.
• Report and direct any questions or concerns from parents or support staff to your immediate supervisor.
• 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 pertinent classroom information.

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.
• Pass fitness for duty examination.
• 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 and maintain annual recertification.
• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training.
• Travel with students as needed.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge of working with students with special health care needs and developmental disabilities.

Skills

• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Proficiency in English grammar and 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, punctuality, and adherence to district procedures for reporting absences.
• 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, including those exhibiting 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.
• Positive interaction with students, parents, and staff, demonstrating a commitment to student success.
• 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.
• Ability to understand and uphold the Federal Way Public Schools’ commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Ability to recognize each person as a unique individual while celebrating their group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

• 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 (with assistance or mechanical device for weights over 50 lbs).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Regularly work in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently work near a video display.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Occasional exposure 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.