Special Program Para 1, Life Skills 1:1 18661-2026

This is a one-on-one, non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act, working 6.5 hours per day for 9 months per year.

Qualifications

Documentation verifying a high school diploma or GED AND 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

Preferred qualifications:

• One year of related experience working with children in an educational setting
• Successful experience as part of an educational team
• Experience which demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and skills in working effectively in a team environment
• Experience working with children with moderate to severe disabilities

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 complete de-escalation/physical restraint training required by the District as soon as possible after hiring
• 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 maintain confidentiality
• Ability to be flexible with assigned tasks and schedules
• 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

Responsibilities

• Treat co-workers, supervisors, students, parents, and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serve as a positive role model for students and practice the behaviors that are expected of students
• Work in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Work as a team member to assist the teacher in implementing and evaluating goals and objectives on individual student IEPs
• Participate in team meetings as appropriate for the purpose of providing observational input or acquiring 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 areas including 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 as assigned
• De-escalate students having an emotional/behavioral crisis; carry out behavior management plans for individual students as appropriate
• Dispense medication to students following district policy
• Care for the personal hygiene needs of students with disabilities, including but not limited to 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
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by an administrator in alignment with their job classification

It is understood that the district has the right to transfer and assign employees to best fit the needs of the district.

Benefits

• Salary range: New employees will start at the minimum hourly rate. Employees with verified prior years of service in a similar occupational status from other Washington School Districts or Education School Districts may receive experience credit toward salary placement. Salary schedules can be accessed here.
• Health benefits: Employees anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here.
• Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here.
• Time Off: Vancouver Public Schools offers paid holidays and paid time off, including sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave. Additional negotiated leave options can be found in the associated Comprehensive Professional Agreement (CPA) for this position.