Paraeducator - Social Emotional Behavioral

This position has been reopened to secure additional applicants. We may hire two (2) positions off of this one posting.

About the role

The paraeducator in the social emotional behavioral (SEB) core program performs instructional/tutorial assignments, student supervision, clerical tasks, and may perform health-related procedures under the general supervision and direction of a certificated teacher, specialist, or principal. The SEB program is for students with identified disabilities that demonstrate primary learning needs in the social emotional skills domain. Paraeducators plan their work with their supervising teacher, and planning time will be set aside when required by either the program’s regulations or the paraeducator’s supervising teacher and principal.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the classroom teacher for the purpose of accomplishing tasks specific to special assignment while working within legal and special program parameters.
• Work directly under the supervision of a certificated teacher or specialist and follow such directions as given by student(s) program.
• Instruct individuals or small groups; supervise groups for periods of time.
• Perform clerical tasks.
• Perform health-related procedures, as needed, which may include hygiene issues, and administer special programs and tests, only when properly trained.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines, including implementation of behavioral de-escalation techniques and crisis management.
• Transport students in school district van.
• Prepare and order meals.
• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teacher 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.
• 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.
• Washington State driver’s license.
• Possess and maintain Type II driver’s license.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities.

Skills

• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• 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 and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency.
• Work independently and collaboratively with others fostering a team approach whenever appropriate.
• 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 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.

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

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Constantly sit, stand, and 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

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently works near a video display.
• The 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

This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE:

• Medical, dental, vision.
• Sick and vacation leave.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.