Special Program Para 2, ISEP 1:1 18759-2026

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

• 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; ability to think quickly
• Experience working with children with moderate to severe disabilities preferred

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 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 teachers
• 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 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), take data on behaviors, and communicate observations with service providers
• Regular attendance to carry out duties and responsibilities to meet 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 expected behaviors
• Work in a flexible and cooperative manner as part of an educational team
• 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
• Manage behavior and assist students 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/occupational therapy exercises, and job skills training
• Assist with preparing lesson materials and maintaining data collection records
• De-escalate students having an emotional/behavioral crisis and carry out behavior management plans
• Produce and assemble teaching materials, 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; intervene as appropriate to ensure safety
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs
• Perform other tasks and assume responsibilities as assigned by an administrator

Benefits

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