Paraeducator - Functional Core Program

About the Role

The Functional Core Program (FCP) supports students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the functional life skills domain. This paraeducator position works under the direction of a certificated teacher, assisting with instructional and non-instructional activities for special education students. Responsibilities include supporting students with learning and health care needs such as feeding, tube feeding, toileting, catheterization, and lifting. The role may also involve working with students who have behavior problems.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting their IEP goals/objectives and maintain 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, including 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 during lunch, recess, Adaptive PE, music, library, regular education classroom settings, and community outings.
• Assist students on and off the bus.
• Develop and maintain 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.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teachers with pertinent classroom information.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 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.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Experience and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Pass a 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.

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, 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.
• Patience and skill in working with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, including 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.
• Effective communication with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Commitment to 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 others' cultural identities.
• 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 district’s commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Recognition that each person is 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 may vary slightly from school to school.

Benefits

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

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal, with evaluations conducted by the building principal or designee.