Paraeducator – Functional Core Program 1:1

About the role

The Functional Core Program (FCP) serves students with identified disabilities whose primary learning needs are in the functional life skills domain. The paraeducator works under the direction of a certificated teacher to support special education students with instructional and non-instructional activities, including personal care and health care needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting IEP goals/objectives and maintain accurate records
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed
• Keep facilities clean and safe
• Assist students with washing, diapering, toileting, personal hygiene, and other personal care
• Perform medical procedures as determined by a registered nurse, including administration of medication, catheterization, suctioning, and tube feeding
• Frequently lift and properly position medically fragile students
• Work with students who have behavior problems, including implementing and following behavior plans
• Supervise/assist students at lunch, recess, Adaptive PE, music, library, in regular education classrooms, or in the community
• Assist students on and off the bus
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff
• Report and direct questions or concerns from parents or support staff to the immediate supervisor
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines
• Perform instructional clerical tasks
• Collaborate 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
• 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 passing 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 and knowledge of working with students with special health care needs and developmental disabilities

Additional Requirements

• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass fitness-for-duty examination
• Washington State driver’s license
• Possess and maintain Type II driver’s license
• Complete the district’s paraeducator core competency requirements
• Possess and maintain Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level; maintain current certification through 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• English grammar and spelling
• Basic math
• Positive behavior interventions
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques
• School Board policies
• Basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to maintain good work attendance, punctuality, and follow District procedures for reporting absences
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility, and 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
• 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 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 student success
• Continue professional growth

Cultural Competence and Equity

• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and its influence on 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 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 the 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. Occasional duties include climbing stairs/ladder, lifting and reaching overhead, crawling, and lifting/carrying. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs. Occasional lifting/carrying may reach 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, intermittently near a video display, with a moderate noise level. The position is occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals in a school classroom environment and potential exposure to infectious diseases.