Special Program Para 2, ICSP 1:1 18707-2026

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 the ability to work effectively in a team environment, providing support to achieve classroom or program goals
• 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 weekend training 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 classroom and Supported Communication teacher(s)
• 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
• Ability to use non-verbal strategies to communicate with, redirect, and de-escalate student behavior

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to lift, move, and physically restrain a child as required by the job
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building and grounds
• Ability to observe student behavior visually and by listening, and to communicate those observations with appropriate service providers
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position

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 expected of students
• Work in a flexible and cooperative manner as part of a team 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 pertinent information
• Monitor and collect data as directed by the teacher
• Work with the Special Education teacher to ensure students receive academic support, sensory integration, occupational, and speech/language support throughout the day
• Provide mainstream support when appropriate and commit to the students and program
• Exhibit willingness to learn about autism and apply that knowledge in practice
• Assist students with self-regulation during class activities in small groups or individually
• Provide instructional assistance as directed by certificated staff in academic subjects, basic life skills, social skills, community access, personal hygiene, 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
• Carry out behavior management plans for individual students
• Produce and assemble teaching materials as directed
• Assist with data entry, record keeping, and filing
• Grade/correct papers and homework using a rubric or key
• Observe assigned students as they enter/leave school grounds, in the cafeteria, and in the community, intervening as appropriate to ensure safety
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by an administrator

Benefits

• Salary: New employees start at the minimum hourly rate. Employees with verified prior years of service in a similar role from other Washington School Districts may receive experience credit toward salary placement.
• Health and Insurance: Eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits (for employees working at least 630 hours).
• Retirement: Eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), based on FTE.
• Time Off: Paid holidays and paid time off, including sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave. Additional leave options are outlined in the Comprehensive Professional Agreement (CPA) for this position.