Special Program Para 1, IAC 1:1 18638-2026

About the role

This is a one-on-one Special Program Paraeducator position in an Intensive Academic Classroom. The role operates 6.5 hours per day, 9 months per year, and is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model for students and practice expected behaviors
• Work flexibly and cooperatively as a team member to assist the teacher in implementing and evaluating goals and objectives on individual student IEPs
• Participate in team meetings to provide observational input or acquire information pertinent to the position
• Manage behavior and assist students during class activities in small groups or individually
• Provide instructional assistance as directed by appropriate certificated staff in academic subjects, basic life skills, social skills, community access, personal hygiene (including toileting), swimming, communication, physical and/or occupational therapy exercises, and job skills training
• Assist the teacher with preparing materials for lessons and maintaining data collection records
• De-escalate students having an emotional/behavioral crisis and carry out behavior management plans for individual students
• Dispense medication to students following district policy
• Care for the personal hygiene needs of students with disabilities, including feeding, diapering, toileting, bathing, lifting, tube feeding, suctioning, and other health-related issues with appropriate training
• Produce and assemble teaching materials as directed by appropriate certificated staff
• Assist with data entry, record keeping, and filing
• Grade/correct papers and homework utilizing a rubric or key
• Observe assigned students as they enter/leave school grounds, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and in the community, and intervene as appropriate to ensure student safety
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs
• Assist student(s) on and off buses as assigned
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by administrator in alignment with job classification

Requirements

• Documentation verifying a high school diploma or GED
• One of the following:
  • Official transcripts verifying an Associate's degree (90 quarter, 60 semester credits)
  • 72 quarter or 48 semester credits from an accredited university, college, community college, or business school
  • ETS ParaPro Assessment result of 461 or higher
• One year of related experience working with children in an educational setting preferred
• Successful experience as part of an educational team preferred
• Experience demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience working with children with moderate to severe disabilities preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate with and appreciate individuals from diverse, socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to act upon evasive and aggressive behavior of students
• Ability to attend mandatory training on weekends and successfully pass the district CPI, de-escalation/physical restraint training
• Ability to learn and use a computer monitor, keyboard, and appropriate adaptive technologies
• Ability to successfully implement educational programs and manage student behavior with direction from the teacher
• Ability to be flexible with assigned tasks and schedules
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to develop relationships and supportive roles with children who possess mental or physical disabilities

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift, move, and physically restrain a child of the size required by the job
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building, grounds, and in the community
• Ability to observe the behavior of students, both visually and by listening, and to communicate those observations with other appropriate service providers
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements

Benefits

• Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits
• Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE
• Vancouver Public Schools offers paid holidays and paid time off, including sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave