Special Education Para Educator 3 - 2026-27 Odle Middle School

About the Role

This position assists and supports students with individual learning needs to maximize student success, focusing on those with significant disabilities. The Para Educator III provides academic, functional, vocational, and social-emotional support while implementing Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and ensuring student safety.

Responsibilities

• Provides for the physical, health, and safety needs of students.
• Offers social, emotional, behavioral, and educational support for students with significant disabilities.
• Implements components of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) as required.
• Delivers direct academic, functional, vocational, and specifically designed instruction.
• Advocates for and supports students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment.
• Assists students with significant emotional regulation challenges.
• Ensures the safety of students and staff when managing escalated behavior.
• Encourages and fosters student independence in all settings.
• Collects data as directed by the case manager or teacher.
• Responds to student medical needs within the scope of the position.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• At least one of the following:
  • ETS Paraeducator Assessment, or
  • Associate of Arts degree (original transcripts), or
  • 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an institution of higher education (original transcripts), or
  • Completion of a registered apprenticeship program (certificate).
• Foreign degrees accepted if evaluated by a NACES member company.
• Washington State Driver’s License (Type II may be required for some assignments).
• First Aid/CPR certification required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students in self-contained learning settings.
• Experience working individually with students with diverse aptitudes and levels of achievement.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training.
• Right Response Training.
• Experience working with behaviorally disabled students.

Skills & Knowledge

• Understands child development and behavior.
• Knowledgeable in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
• Understands safety procedures for students and staff.
• Familiar with behavior modification programs, including restraint techniques.
• Utilizes adaptive technology and equipment to meet student needs.
• Demonstrates non-violent crisis intervention techniques, including de-escalation strategies.
• Uses basic therapy techniques and procedures.
• Knowledgeable of functional life skills and activities of daily living.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Works with students in a warm and confident manner.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Follows oral and written directions.
• Models and monitors appropriate student behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality and respect between students, parents, and teachers.
• Builds positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public.
• Multicultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Performs duties in accordance with Board policies and legal requirements.
• Meets punctuality and attendance expectations.

Physical Requirements

• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly.
• May be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.
• Ability to perform physical activities such as feeding, toileting, and providing care for students who experience seizures.
• Ability to provide proper physical restraint of students with severe behavior that poses a danger to themselves or others.

Pay

AISP pay range: $28.76/hour to $30.71/hour (starting hourly rate $28.76), based on the negotiated collective bargaining agreement.

Schedule

• 34 hours/week, 192-day annual assignment.
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8:10 AM to 3:40 PM.
• Wednesday: 8:10 AM to 2:40 PM.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance eligibility (based on 630 hours worked within a school year).
• Retirement provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.

Conditions of Employment

• Location of the position may change during the school year.
• Mandatory continuing professional education per state requirements.
• Verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States required.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of background checks, including fingerprinting and criminal history checks, as well as approval by the Bellevue School Board.