Special Education Paraeducator; Sped

Special Education Para educator

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Location: Frontier Middle School – Vancouver, Washington

Reports To: Special Education Instructor / Building Principal

Department: Special Services

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Meet at least one of the following:
  • Pass a score of 455 or higher on the Education Testing Service Para Pro Assessment (ETS test/PRAXIS).
  • Hold an Associate Degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
  • Earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at level 100 or higher at an accredited college or university.
  • Complete a Para educator Apprenticeship Program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

* Candidates who do not meet these qualifications will be screened out from the pool of qualified applicants.

New employees will start at the minimum hourly rate in the classification salary range. Employees with verified prior years of service or related experience may receive experience credit toward salary step placement.

Essential Functions:

• Under the 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 to meet IEP goals.
  • Assist in establishing and maintaining a learning environment according to course goals and curriculum outcomes.
  • Assess student progress and collect performance data to support IEP goal attainment.
  • Assist in administering and scoring formal and informal tests.
  • Implement behavioral management strategies as outlined by the teacher.
  • Organize and prepare instructional materials.
  • Assist with students’ bathroom needs, feeding, handling body fluids, and lifting/positioning as required.
  • Provide services under related service providers (OT, PT, SLP).
  • Assist students with assistive technology, augmentative communication, or physical assist devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, lifts).
  • Participate in training sessions to maintain up‑to‑date understanding of students’ needs.
• Assist in providing special education services as directed by related service providers such as OT, PT, and SLP.
• Assist students with using assistive technology and other support devices.

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Vision: 66‑100%
• Speaking: 66‑100%
• Hearing: 66‑100%
• Standing: 33‑66%
• Walking: 33‑66%
• Writing:
  Up to 33%
• Bending: 33‑66%
• Stooping: 33‑66%
• Reaching: 33‑66%
• Lifting (up to 50 lbs. individually; more with assistance)
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens and other infectious materials.
• Running:
  Up to 33%

• Reading documents: 66‑100%
• Constant interruptions: 66‑100%
• Verbal communication: 66‑100%
• Confidentiality: 66‑100% (Up to 33%)
• Written communication:
  Up to 33%
• Multiple concurrent tasks: 66‑100%
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered for persons with disabilities.

Computer, typewriter, copier, telephone, and all other tools and equipment necessary to perform the essential functions.

• Basic typing/keyboarding.
• Previous experience working with students in academic areas and/or special education coursework.
• Strong communication skills with students, staff, and parents.
• Ability to supervise and work with students.
• Flexibility, initiative, and cooperativeness.
• Confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Willingness to learn computer skills and assistive technology.
• Willingness to learn to operate office equipment.
• Ability to work under constant interruption.
• Physical strength to manage potentially aggressive behavior of students.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive team relationships.

• Awareness of own cultural identity and interest in learning about others.
• Supports a positive, diverse school environment.
• Participates in activities that enhance cultural competence.
• Commitment to equitable outcomes for all students.
• Recognizes individuals as unique while celebrating group…