Special Education Paraeducator; Sped

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Location: Burton Elementary School, Vancouver, Washington

Department: Special Services

Work Hours:

• 6.33 hours per day (8:30 a.m. – 3:20 p.m., includes 30‑minute unpaid lunch)
• 4.33 hours on early‑release days (8:30 a.m. – 1:20 p.m., includes 30‑minute unpaid time)
• 6.17 hours on designated full Wednesdays (8:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m., includes 30‑minute unpaid lunch)
• 190 days per year (180 student days + 10 holidays)

Under the supervision of the Special Education classroom instructor and the building Principal, the Special Education Para educator will assist in supervising instructional activities, working closely with students individually and in small groups.

• Under direction of the Special Education teacher or IEP manager, provide special education services and supports to elementary and/or secondary students eligible for special education.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Provide one‑to‑one and group instruction as directed by the teacher to meet students’ IEP goals.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining a learning environment as specified by curriculum outcomes.
• Assess student progress, evaluate learning, and collect performance data to ensure progress toward IEP goals.
• Assist in administering and scoring formal and informal tests.
• Implement behavioral management strategies as outlined by the teacher.
• Assist in organizing and preparing instructional materials.
• Address students’ bathroom needs, lift and change students, and feed students as necessary.
• Handle body fluids, lift/position students, and provide services directed by OT, PT, and SLP providers.
• Assist students with assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
• Attend training sessions to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of students’ needs.

• Be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet one or more of the following: passing score of 455 or higher on the ETS Para Pro Assessment; associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at 100‑level; completed a Para educator Apprenticeship Program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Basic typing/keyboarding skills.
• Previous experience working with students in academic or special education settings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and supervise students.
• Flexibility, initiative, and cooperativeness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Willingness to learn computer skills, assistive technology, and office equipment.
• Ability to perform under constant interruption.
• Physical strength to address potentially aggressive behavior of students.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others as part of a team.

• Knowledge of own cultural identity and openness to learning about others.
• Supports a school environment that celebrates diversity.
• Participates in activities to enhance cultural competence.
• Committed to equitable outcomes for all students.
• Recognizes individual uniqueness while honoring cultural heritage.
• Builds positive relationships with all persons regardless of race, gender, physical limitation, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic long‑term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligible employees may also participate in flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and other supplemental benefits. Retirement benefits and paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, personal, religious, and bereavement leave are offered per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Evergreen Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. All employees are entitled to equal access to youth groups such as the Boy Scouts.