Paraeducator

Position Summary

Provide support to students in achieving academic and behavioral goals as outlined in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Assist in maintaining a safe and smoothly operating school environment through student supervision, lesson support, behavior management, and clerical tasks.

• High school diploma and either associate’s degree or higher, or two years of higher education (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours), or a score of 455 or higher on the ETS Parapro Assessment.
• Experience working with at‑risk and adjudicated adolescents in an alternative environment is strongly preferred.
• WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.
• Valid First‑Aid/CPR certificate required or willingness to obtain one.

7 hours per day, Monday‑Friday during the school year. 183 work days per school year (200 paid days). Two positions: $27.80 – $31.31 per hour, based on experience.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% paid premiums for employee and eligible dependents.
• Annual paid leave: 9‑10 vacation days (rolled into salary), 10 sick days, 1 floating holiday, 7 observed holidays, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Long‑term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance $35,000 with optional additional coverage.
• Participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Schools Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) offering 457 deferred savings plan.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Voluntary Employees’ Benefits Association (VEBA) participation.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities.

• Work is performed in an educational environment for special‑needs students, requiring continuous observation and situational awareness.
• Must have sufficient stamina, fitness, and coordination to engage in physical containment procedures and recreational activities when necessary.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds; transporting students may be required.
• Requires adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision to perform essential functions.

• Potential exposure to weapons, threats, verbal abuse, spitting, fighting, kicking, hitting, punching, biting, scratching, hair pulling, throwing objects, and other forms of physical aggression.

$38,920.00 – $43,834.00 per year

Whatcom Discovery Center
5275 Northwest Dr
Bellingham, WA 98226

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Transcripts (official or unofficial) or ETS Parapro Assessment score documentation
• Additional documents may be submitted at your discretion.

High school diploma and either an associate’s degree or higher, two years of higher education (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours), or a score of 455 or higher on the ETS Parapro Assessment.

Experience working with at‑risk and adjudicated adolescents in an alternative environment is strongly preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid First‑Aid/CPR certificate required or willingness to obtain.