Paraeducator – Restorative Practices and In-School Suspension

About the role

This position is under the supervision of the school administrator. The paraeducator will support a variety of restorative practices with the paraeducator’s duties to include the supervision of students assigned to de-escalation and in-house suspension at the Middle School and High School level. The paraeducator must possess a passion and ability to build a culture and climate of behavior and academic success through the use of Restorative Practices techniques. Furthermore, this paraeducator will be a champion of racial equity and have an awareness of their personal cultural/racial identity.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the development, and management of an In-School Suspension/Restoration room used for a variety of purposes: de-escalate students; conduct restorative circles; and support and tutor in-school suspended students.
• Nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Serve as a supervisor for students assigned to ISS.
• Support learning tasks for scholars as assigned.
• Develop and understand positive behavior systems and supports to assist school practices.
• Communicate effectively with staff and students.
• Facilitate an atmosphere of quiet and cooperative behavior.
• Manage student discipline issues and intervention plans.
• Complete paperwork work as assigned.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Provide additional campus supervision support as needed.
• Collaborate with school administrative team on issues of school climate and safety.
• Collaborate and work cooperatively with building administrators and classroom teachers on issues supporting classroom restorative practices responses.
• Organize the ISS/Restorative Room to contribute to the learning process.
• Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Relate effectively, respectfully and proactively with students in a highly diverse community.
• Collect relevant data/assigned work.

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
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
• Proficiency in basic spelling, math and grammar skills
• The desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent behavior

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful experience implementing restorative practices
• Previous ISS Experience

Management & Relationships

• 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 individuals in a professional manner.
• Employ successful de-escalation techniques.
• Develop and learn how to conduct/manage restorative circles with students and staff.
• Build trust and credibility with administration, staff and students.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to 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.