Classroom Specialists - Curae Center

Job Description

General Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Special Education Teacher, the Classroom Specialist assists with instruction, classroom management, and positive behavior management to engage students with primary intellectual disabilities who have high intensity support needs and significant behavioral challenges.

Salary:
The full salary range will be $23.95 to $29.14 per hour, offered at the beginning of the range.

Assignment/

Location:

Classroom Specialists will serve the Curae Center in Vancouver, WA, for the  school year. Positions are 32.5 hours per week on a school‑year schedule, beginning August 2026. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Regular attendance is required.

• Provide instruction under the supervision of the classroom teacher to individual students in academic and functional skills domains, including communication, self‑care, social skills, community use, functional academics, leisure, and work.
• Actively participate in functional behavioral assessments, collecting data and contributing to behavior support plans.
• Manage student behaviors by adhering to behavior support plans, using de‑escalation principles at all times.
• Take or assist in taking action to seclude or restrain students at risk of harming themselves or others, following district‑approved procedures.
• Follow least intrusive intervention guidelines, providing feedback and adjusting positive reinforcement as needed.
• Build students’ communication abilities using consistent methods, as instructed by the speech/language pathologist and classroom teacher.
• Provide personal care needs including feeding, toileting, tube feeding, catheterization, and diaper changing.
• Support students on transportation/bus to and from the academy, as needed.
• Problem‑solve with students daily.
• Work with students individually or in groups to provide skills training consistent with IEPs and behavior support plans.
• Facilitate instruction on interpersonal conflict resolution.
• Perform health tasks and implement individualized protocols delegated by the registered nurse and assigned by the classroom teacher.
• Follow student behavior plans and provide input to teachers, psychologists, and the program manager.
• Contribute to and cooperate with the instructional team, including the teacher, related services staff, and other educational assistants.

• Supervise students’ arrival and departure, recess, breaks, and lunch in the facility and community.
• Communicate accurately and effectively with education staff, program manager, and community service providers.
• Collect and record data on student performance.
• Respond to behavioral escalations consistent with behavior support and crisis plans.
• Prepare instructional materials and complete routine clerical tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must meet one of the following educational requirements:
  • Associate’s Degree or equivalent.
  • 48 semester or 72 quarter credits from an accredited college or university.
  • Passing score of 455 on the Para Pro Assessment.
  • Passing score of 220 on the Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment.
  • 65% completion on The Master Teacher, Inc. Para educator Online Training Program.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid first aid and CPR card.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions.

• Experience in a special education classroom setting.
• Knowledge of programs and services for students with disabilities.

• Day treatment program setting.
• Physical intervention necessary to restrain students in compliance with Washington State WACs and emergency response protocol.
• Exposure to communicable diseases among children and adolescents.
• Students may use challenging or offensive verbalizations toward staff and other students with potential for escalation to physical aggression.
• Requires sitting, standing, stooping to attend to student needs and providing instruction. Requires strength and agility to maintain a safe learning environment, including compliance with emergency response protocols.

• Successful completion of a criminal history and fingerprint check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI.

Position Type:
Part‑time