Paraeducator - 1:1 High Needs

1:1 High Needs Para educator

Hoquiam School District is committed to fostering engaged learners, supporting adaptive pathways for every student, nurturing meaningful relationships, and strengthening community connections. The 1:1 Special Education Para educator plays a vital role in creating inclusive, supportive learning environments by providing individualized assistance to a student with disabilities. This position supports the student's academic, behavioral, and functional development to ensure access to learning and encourage independence.

The 1:1 Special Education Para educator works under the supervision of certificated staff and provides direct support to one student in various settings (general education classrooms, specialized programs, therapy sessions, etc.). Duties include, but are not limited to:

Supporting engaged learners:

• Assist in the delivery of academic instruction as directed by certificated staff
• Provide individualized support tailored to the student's IEP goals
• Reinforce concepts taught in class using supplemental practice, modeling, and repetition
• Support use of assistive technology and instructional tools to enhance learning
• Monitor and document student engagement and participation in daily academic activities

Advancing adaptive pathways:

• Implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
• Support the development of functional life skills (e.g., toileting, feeding, dressing, hygiene)
• Provide hands-on support for communication, mobility, and self-regulation strategies
• Assist with transitions between classrooms, therapy sessions, or daily routines
• Collect data and communicate student performance to instructional staff

Fostering meaningful relationships:

• Build trust and maintain a supportive, respectful relationship with the student
• Demonstrate consistency, patience, and calm during challenging behaviors or escalations
• Uphold student dignity and maintain strict confidentiality regarding student needs
• Participate in training related to student-specific needs, de-escalation, and behavior support
• Engage positively with staff, specialists, and families to support a team-based approach

Strengthening community connections:

• Support the student's safe participation in school wide routines and community-based instruction
• Assist with school transitions, including lunch, recess, arrival, and dismissal
• Help the student access extracurricular or inclusive school activities when appropriate
• Serve as a communication bridge between instructional teams, service providers, and families
• Promote the student's independence, self-advocacy, and social interaction with peers

Essential functions:

• Demonstrate regular, reliable attendance and punctuality
• Use sound judgment, de-escalation strategies, and situational awareness
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with students, staff, and families
• Assist with physical needs, including hygiene, mobility, and behavior support
• Lift up to 20 lbs. independently and up to 100 lbs. with additional adult support
• Provide informal mentorship or guidance to substitute para educators when needed
• Consistently implement behavior intervention plans and track progress
• Use district platforms such as Gmail, Google Workspace, and other instructional tools

Working/environmental conditions:

• Work in indoor and outdoor environments, including during transitions and recess
• Exposure to varying noise levels and occasional challenging behaviors
• Physical activities may include standing, walking, kneeling, bending, and lifting

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must meet one of the following academic standards:
• Two years of college coursework
• Associate's degree or higher
• Passing a qualifying academic assessment demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, and math
• Training or willingness to be trained in:
• Crisis management and de-escalation strategies
• Restraint procedures (used only in situations of imminent danger)
• Behavior intervention strategies
• Physical ability to support students during escalated behaviors
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral or developmental needs
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or employment eligibility
• Successful background check
• Strong communication, organization, and independent problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Experience supporting students with disabilities in school settings
• Familiarity with adaptive physical education or therapy-based activities
• Type II driving permit or willingness to obtain if required
• Experience using behavior data tracking tools and assistive technology

Salary: $24.58 - $30.72 an hour

Benefits:
State allocation towards dental, vision, medical insurance, retirement, 9 paid holidays, 10 sick leave days, 3 personal leave days.

Employment is contingent upon successful clearance of a Washington State Patrol, FBI fingerprint criminal history background check, and Sexual Misconduct background check.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Hoquiam School District #28 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of…