AFSCME - Paraeducator BMS

Starting Date:
Aug 24, 2026

Location:

Bellingham Memorial School for the  academic year (District Position location assigned annually)

Schedule:

Ten (10) months – 184 days, following the school calendar

Hours:

35 hours per week (7 hours per day)

• Passing score on the Para Pro Test or another state‑approved assessment program;
  Para Pro is waived with an associate degree.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
• Prior experience working with children in a school setting, preferred.
• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Physical requirements:
  
  Ability to move in and out of offices, classrooms, and buildings; move up and down stairs; lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds; lift or carry items weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as students may need positioning.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel, and move easily on and off floor mats.
• Good judgment, tact, diplomacy, respect for confidential matters, and sensitivity to the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm.
• Willingness and ability to learn and use assistive technology.
• Ability to use online platforms such as Google Meet and Google Classroom.
• Other qualifications as determined appropriate by the Superintendent of Schools.

Principal, BCBA, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, or designee

• Assist the teacher with student instruction, both direct and indirect.
• Help select and utilize educational materials and general supplies.
• Assist in administering achievement and diagnostic testing.
• Support implementation of behavior modification programs.
• Help with general classroom management.
• Address student behavior and encourage effort in the classroom.
• Supervise students involved in school activities.
• Prepare for the day’s activities during regularly scheduled hours.
• Assume responsibility for the classroom teacher in their absence, including a daily rate increase when needed.
• Adapt to duties across various classrooms and school environments.
• Participate in required staff development programs.
• Under a certified teacher’s supervision and in accordance with a student’s IEP, prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
• Implement support strategies and interventions developed by the teacher and/or BCBA.
• Provide positive role models for students and treat them with respect as community members.
• Work directly with children in academics, social skills, self‑care (ADLs), and vocational skills.
• Assist in generalization of skill development and community integration.
• Complete onboarding, district policies, and annual mandatory trainings.
• Serve as a resource person about students when communicating with teachers regarding specific instructional goals.
• Assist in behavioral interventions and pursue Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
• Implement treatment plans, health plans, safety plans, and behavior plans to create a safe learning environment.
• Perform data collection when required.
• Work as a team member with BCBA, RBT, and other staff.
• Apply ABA strategies (specific training provided).
• Assist with toileting for students with disabilities, if required.
• Lift and carry students with disabilities per IEP, if required.
• Perform any other duties directed by the Principal, BCBA, and/or Director of Student Services.

• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist with self‑help and independence skills.
• Implement remedial and review exercises, practice, and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
• Aid in independent study, enrichment, and remedial work as instructed.
• Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
• Assist with test taking, use of instructional tasks, technology, and reading to students.
• Observe and document student performance and behaviors.
• Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.

• Escortin…