Transition Program Life Skills Para Educator

Supports young adults with disabilities enrolled in the district's formal Transition Program as they prepare for life after high school. The position focuses on developing employability, independent living, and social skills in collaboration with program staff, families, employers, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and small-group instruction in daily living skills, including personal care, self-management, and household routines.
• Support young adults in developing vocational skills, such as job readiness, workplace behavior, task completion, and use of vocational tools or technology.
• Assist young adults at community job sites, vocational placements, and volunteer experiences to reinforce appropriate workplace behavior and expectations.
• Transport young adults using district vehicles and public transit to community job sites, including van pick-up and drop-off from the transportation facility.
• Facilitate community-based learning experiences, including job site visits, volunteer opportunities, and independent travel training.
• Assist young adults in setting and achieving personal, educational, and vocational goals.
• Model and reinforce appropriate social, communication, and problem-solving skills in classroom and community settings.
• Collaborate with teachers, program staff, families, and community partners to coordinate learning and work experiences.
• Model and reinforce communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills in real-world environments.
• Support young adults in developing self-advocacy and independence in workplace and community settings.
• Assist with job applications, interview preparation, and worksite orientation as appropriate.
• Coordinate and monitor student schedules, transportation needs, and site assignments.
• Monitor and document progress toward individualized goals, reporting to the program administrator and IEP team.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and transition planning to support program goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain promptly.
• Valid driver's license and Mead School District Type II Driver certificate or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Highly qualified status as defined by state law for continuing, full-time paraeducator roles, demonstrated by one of the following:
  • Completed at least 2 years of study totaling 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university.
  • Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree.
  • Passed the ETS ParaPro Praxis Assessment (qualifying score of at least 455).
  • Passed the Master Teacher Assessments (2 assessments, qualifying score of at least 65%).
  • Passed the Pearson Paraprofessional assessment (qualifying score as required).
  • Completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Skills

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a strong commitment to young adults with disabilities.
• Experience working with young adults with disabilities in educational, vocational, or community-based settings.
• Demonstrated ability to support and coach young adults toward greater independence.
• Understanding of individualized education programs (IEPs) and transition planning.
• Ability to model and teach workplace and community participation skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to varied work environments and young adult needs.
• Commitment to promoting inclusive practices and equitable opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a job coach, paraeducator, or in a vocational rehabilitation setting.
• Knowledge of transition services for students ages 18–22 and the principles of supported employment.
• Familiarity with community resources and local employment networks.

Working Conditions

The physical demands include frequent contact with young adults, families, district staff, and community partners, requiring professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. Work may be performed in school buildings, community locations, or outdoors. The role involves:

• Periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds unaided; may lift over 50 pounds with assistance or a lift assist.
• Exposure to risk of injury and/or ordinary infectious diseases carried by young adults.
• Flexible scheduling, including occasional evening hours to meet family and program needs.

Pay

Salary range: $19.13 – $22.16 per hour (not including longevity). Positions qualifying for the intensive care stipend earn an additional $2.00 per hour.

Benefits

• 12 days of sick leave per year (pro-rated for part-time employees).
• 3 days of annual leave for absences or cash-out accumulation.
• Eligibility for benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) for employees working more than 630 hours per year, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Retirement eligibility through the State Department of Retirement Services for positions working 70+ hours per month for at least 5 months over a 12-month period.

Schedule

A typical school year consists of 180 days plus 10 holidays, running from September through June. The number of days may vary by position as defined in the collective bargaining agreement.