Special Program Para 2, ICSP 1:1 18850-2026

About the role

This is a one-on-one position within the Integrated Communication & Sensory Program. 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

• Work 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
• Monitor and collect data as directed by the teacher
• Work with the Special Ed teacher to ensure students receive academic support, sensory integration, occupational and speech/language support throughout the day
• Provide mainstream support when appropriate
• Assist students with self-regulation 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, 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 as appropriate
• Produce and assemble teaching materials as directed by appropriate certificated staff
• Assist with data entry, record keeping, and filing
• Grade and correct papers and homework utilizing a rubric or key
• Observe assigned students as they enter/leave school grounds, in the cafeteria and in the community and intervene as appropriate to ensure the safety of students
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by administrator in alignment with their 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 which demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and skills in working effectively in a team environment, providing support to achieve the desired goal(s) for the classroom and/or program area
• Possess excellent problem solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills and ability to think quickly
• 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 the 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 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, re-direct, and de-escalate student behavior

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to lift, move, physically restrain a child of the size required by the job
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building and grounds
• 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 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) based on position FTE

Pay

• New employees start at the minimum hourly rate in the salary range
• Employees with verified prior years of service in a similar occupational status from other Washington School Districts or Educational Service Districts may receive experience credit toward salary placement