Paraeducator - Mainstream Special Education

Schedule

This position is for 6.5 hours per day at 178 days per year. First-year schedule: 7 hours per day for 4 days, plus 2 days each subsequent year until certification is completed.

Pay

PSE Salary Schedule Level 5 - $25.40 per hour.

Requirements

To be considered for this instructional paraeducator position, you must meet the following federal minimum employment requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Meet one of the following:
  • Successfully passed the ETS ParaPro test or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment
  • AA degree or higher
  • Earned seventy-two (72) quarter credits or forty-eight (48) semester credits at an accredited institution of higher education
  • Completion of a registered apprenticeship program offered by the Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries
  • Successful completion of The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program

Responsibilities

This position assists certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities for mainstream special education students. Essential functions include:

• Instruct students individually or in small groups to promote understanding of materials presented
• Provide encouragement, reinforcement, and support for educational objectives and goals
• Administer and supervise objective tests or other measurements under the direction of certificated staff
• Communicate with certificated staff concerning individual student progress and adjust methods to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities
• Assist in maintaining records, logs, charts, assignments, and other records for assessment of student progress
• Supervise student behavior in classrooms, playgrounds, halls, at lunch or breaks, bus boarding areas, field trips, and other sites to promote safe and appropriate behavior
• Correct behaviors and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures
• Instruct students in behavioral rules and codes for safety, socialization, and individual growth
• Assist students with interpersonal and personal skills mastery
• Provide physical assistance to students with disabilities, such as lifting, positioning, or personal hygiene
• Monitor and provide first aid for injured or ill students, referring for treatment as appropriate
• Alert qualified district staff to student problems
• Locate, prepare, and modify materials for student use, enrichment activities, and special projects
• Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials; operate office equipment
• Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, including protecting confidential information

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skill in reading, writing, and communicating
• Knowledge of basic subject areas, such as reading and math
• Ability to deal with students in a warm and confident manner
• Flexibility in handling changes in assignments
• Ability to organize activities and follow instructions
• Fairness and consistency when working with students
• Ability to learn effective behavior management and instructional techniques
• Knowledge of a variety of behavior and learning disorders
• Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures
• Ability to learn the use of computers and software for instruction and record-keeping
• Ability to learn the operation of general office machines
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff

Training & Certifications

• Complete Right Response Training within 3-5 months of hire
• Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program (dependent on State funding)
• Fingerprinting and background check required (no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor)
• Complete training in and adhere to the district infection control plan
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification
• Hepatitis-B immunization required

Working Conditions

• Frequent interruptions; required to deal with a wide range of student behaviors and academic abilities
• May occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students
• Potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students
• Exposed to student noise levels
• Required to lift and position students and their special equipment, such as wheelchairs
• May work in non-routine positions for extended periods
• May be required to attend to students' personal hygiene
• May be exposed to biting behavior or student bodily fluids
• Playground supervision requires working outdoors in inclement weather

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Insurance options
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off or vacation
• Paid holidays
• Other compensation