Secondary Paraeducator - Resource Support Program

About the Role

Resource Support Programs (RSP) are provided to students with identified disabilities who demonstrate an increased need in one or more academic domains. The Paraeducator will assist with special education students in one-on-one to small group instructional activities under the supervision of a certificated teacher or specialist. Duties include supporting instructional activities, performing clerical tasks, and supervising assigned students.

Responsibilities

• Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher in administering special instructional and/or behavioral programs (when trained).
• Communicate and work with related resource personnel.
• Supervise students in accordance with school and district policies.
• Plan daily/weekly with teachers and other staff members servicing the same students.
• Assist students and teachers with record keeping.
• Support teacher communication with building/district staff and parents.
• Discuss student information with teachers or appropriate staff.
• Report observed problems or student-related information to the advising teacher.
• Provide positive reinforcement to students during the school day.
• Assist with room maintenance and control of books and equipment.
• Provide substitute teachers with helpful classroom information.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.

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.
• Experience and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities.

Skills

• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and basic math.
• Understanding of positive behavior interventions, Right Response, and de-escalation techniques.
• Familiarity with school board policies.
• Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Work independently and collaboratively with others, fostering a team approach.
• Maintain good work attendance, punctuality, and follow district procedures for reporting absences.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to students.
• 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.
• Demonstrate patience and skill in working with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, including those exhibiting violent behavior.
• Exercise judgment in determining when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority.
• Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality requirements.
• 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.
• Commit to continued professional growth.
• Perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Cultural Competence and Equity

• Knowledge and awareness of your own cultural identity and how it influences behavior, with a desire to learn about others' cultural identities.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons.
• Ability to understand and uphold the district’s commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Ability to recognize each person as a unique individual while celebrating their group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

• Constantly sit, stand, walk, bend neck and back, and 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 (with assistance or mechanical device for weights over 50 lbs).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Regularly work in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently work near a video display.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• 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.

Pay and Benefits

• Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, sick and vacation leave, life insurance, and retirement (prorated based on FTE).