Paraprofessional

About the role

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently seeking a Project Paraprofessional. Project positions are limited duration with the potential for conversion to permanent positions in the future. Paraprofessionals work on a seasonal basis during the course of the school year, typically from late August until mid-June.

Duties

- Provide instruction in core academic areas designed by the teachers/specialists. - Assist the special education teacher/general education teacher in the implementation of the student Individual Education Plan. - Assist the teacher in preparing materials and collecting and recording data. - Participate as a contributing member of a collaborative team. - Assist the teacher in implementing behavioral and social skills programs as designed and supervised by certificated staff. - Under the supervision of certificated staff, implement the district de-escalation and soft-restraint techniques as needed. - Assist students with physical and mobility needs and personal care. - Assist secondary students with pre-vocational and transition activities. - Manage student equipment and assistive technology as needed. - Supervise and promote safety of students in multiple settings. - Administer, monitor, and document medication following the WSSB policy/procedures and student health care plan, as needed. - Support class or school-wide projects and events that contribute to a positive and engaging learning environment.

Qualifications

- Requirements include: - Be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. - Fulfill at least one of the following: - Achieve a passing score on a state-approved assessment, such as: - ETS ParaPro Assessment: Minimum score of 455. - Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment: Minimum score of 220. - The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program: Minimum score of 65%. - Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution. - Have completed 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or above from an accredited institution. - Successfully finish a paraeducator apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. - Ability and willingness to obtain Braille certification (WA UEB) within 1 year of hire. - Ability and willingness to work daytime hours M-F (approximately 7am-3:45pm M-TH, 7am-2:30PM F or as needed to meet agency demands). - Ability to independently perform duties with frequent interruptions. - Ability/willingness to assist children with mobility activities. - Ability/willingness to assist children with toileting and other personal needs as needed. - Can provide clear and concise communication, both orally and in writing. - Ability to apply problem-solving skills to issues as they arise. - Willingness to maintain a positive attitude and take action to meet the needs of others and be receptive to change in processes and procedures and learn and grow. - Able to assist supervisor/instructor in classroom work, field trips, and lecture periods. - Able to assist in the classroom with self-help needs. - Can prepare materials for use in classrooms, laboratories or instructional shops; set up assignments, equipment or demonstration apparatus for classes; confer with instructor in establishing and developing assignments. - Can stand and walk for long periods of time. - Pass Federal and State background checks subject to all applicable laws and regulations.

Desired Qualifications

- Experience working with blind and low vision individuals. - Demonstrated experience in an educational setting, preferably with middle and high school youth. - UEB WA certified for braille competency. - Experience with Daily Living Skills instruction for the blind and low vision. - Training and/or experience working with children with behavioral support needs.