Paraeducator - Functional Core Program

About the role

The functional core program (FCP) is for students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the functional life skills domain. This position requires the paraeducator to work under the direction of a certificated teacher. Duties include instructional and non-instructional activities for special education students.

Responsibilities

• Aid students in meeting their IEP goals/objectives and keeping accurate records.
• Prepare classroom and materials as directed.
• Keep facilities clean and safe.
• Assist students with washing, diapering, toileting, assist students with personal hygiene, and other personal care.
• Perform medical procedures and 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 that have behavior problems that may require restraining.
• Demonstrate the ability to implement and follow behavior plans.
• Supervise/assist students at lunch, recess, Adaptive PE., music, library and possibly in a regular education classroom setting or out in the community.
• Assist student on and off the bus.
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff.
• Report and direct any questions or concerns brought to you by parents or support staff to your immediate supervisor.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• One of the following: AA degree, High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state approved paraeducator assessment test.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 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.
• Travel with students as needed.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.
• Knowledge of Individual education plans (IEPs).
• English grammar and spelling.
• Basic math.
• Positive behavior interventions.
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge of School Board Policies.
• Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency.
• Maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow District procedures for reporting all 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.
• 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 for students and their success.
• Continue professional growth.
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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, 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 work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The work environment is usually moderate in noise level.
• This position intermittently works near a video display.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Work Schedule

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

Reporting Relationships

Position reports to classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Position is evaluated by the building principal or designee.