Paraeducator – Restorative Practices and In-School Suspension

About the role

This position supports restorative practices at the Middle School and High School level, including supervision of students in de-escalation and in-house suspension. The paraeducator will help build a culture of behavior and academic success through Restorative Practices techniques and champion racial equity.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development and management of an In-School Suspension/Restoration room for de-escalation, restorative circles, and tutoring.
• Establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment.
• Supervise students assigned to ISS (In-School Suspension).
• Support the development of positive school and classroom culture and climate.
• Assist with learning tasks for students as assigned.
• Develop an understanding of positive behavior systems and supports.
• Communicate effectively with staff and students, facilitating a quiet and cooperative atmosphere.
• Manage student discipline issues and intervention plans in collaboration with administrators.
• Complete assigned paperwork and practice effective safety and security routines.
• Provide additional campus supervision support as needed.
• Collaborate with the school administrative team on issues of school climate and safety.
• Work cooperatively with building administrators and classroom teachers to support restorative practices.
• Organize the ISS/Restorative Room to contribute to the learning process.
• Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers.
• Promote teamwork and relate effectively with students in a highly diverse community.
• Collect relevant data and complete assigned work.
• Establish clear parameters for student behavior in the ISS/Restorative Room.
• Encourage students to develop courtesy, self-control, respect, and responsibility.
• Develop rapport with students and staff in a professional manner.
• Employ successful de-escalation techniques and manage restorative circles.
• Build trust and credibility with administration, staff, and students.

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.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.
• Proficiency in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Desire, skill, and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, which may include violent behavior.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements.
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level and maintain annual recertification.
• Washington State Driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful experience implementing restorative practices.
• Previous In-School Suspension (ISS) experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of restorative practices and district behavior guidelines, including special education rights and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with school board policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and following written communications in English.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Typing, clerical, and office machine skills.
• Adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality requirements.
• Effective communication with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Commitment to students and their success, with a focus on continued professional growth.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Knowledge and awareness of own cultural identity and its influence on behavior, with a desire to learn about others' cultural identities.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment.
• Ability to recognize each person as a unique individual while celebrating their group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending of neck and back, and use of hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling.
• Frequent squatting, kneeling, and fine manipulation with hands.
• Occasional sitting, climbing stairs/ladder, lifting, reaching overhead, and crawling.
• Constant lifting/carrying up to 5 pounds.
• Frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds.
• Occasional lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional pushing/pulling with a maximum force of 20 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Regular indoor work, occasionally near video displays.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Regular exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment.

Schedule

This is a school-year assignment for the 2021-2022 school year. 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.

Pay

General Education Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.