Paraeducator - Health Services Assistant

This position is split between Norman Center and Truman Campus and operates under the direction of the Certificated School Nurse and building principal.

Responsibilities

• Help administer first aid to ill and injured students.
• Dispense student medications as directed.
• Assist with health screening programs, including preparing and organizing screening days.
• Determine if notification of parent/guardian, 911, or principal is needed before further treatment or release of student to class or home.
• Maintain health room log documenting all health room activities.
• Maintain other health room documentation such as health folders, medication log, screening results, accident reports, and immunization records.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Perform acts of medical treatment such as tube feeding, catherization, Parent Designated Adult (PDA) training for diabetics or seizures under appropriate supervision and/or training of the school nurse.
• 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.

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.
• Willing to be a Parent Designated Adult (PDA) for a diabetic or seizure scholar, if needed.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements.
• Possess and maintain a current district-approved CPR/First Aid card at time of employment (district-approved courses include hands-on and written exam).
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of IEPs (Individual Education Plan).
• English grammar and spelling.
• Basic math.
• Positive behavior interventions.
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques.
• School Board Policies.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Work independently and collaboratively with others, fostering a team approach.
• 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.
• Perform basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• 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 requirements.
• 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.

Cultural Competence and Equity

• 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 sit, stand, walk, bend neck and back, 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 (any lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently works near a video display.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Occasionally exposed 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 (prorated based on FTE).
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.