Special Education Paraeducator; Sped

Job Title

Special Education Para educator

Image Elementary School, Vancouver, Washington

Under the supervision of the special education teacher and building principal, the para educator assists with instructional activities and supports students on an individual and small‑group basis.

• Provide special education services and supports to elementary and/or secondary students eligible for special education under the direction of the teacher or IEP manager.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Provide one‑to‑one and group instruction to meet individualized education program (IEP) requirements.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining learning environments as specified by course goals and curriculum outcomes.
• Assess student progress, evaluate learning, and collect data to ensure progress toward IEP goals.
• Assist in administering and scoring formal and informal tests.
• Implement behavioral management strategies outlined by the teacher.
• Assist in organizing and preparing instructional materials.
• Address students’ bathroom needs, feed students, handle body fluids, lift and position students as necessary.
• Provide services as planned by related service providers (OT, PT, SLP).
• Assist students with assistive technology, augmentative communication, or physical assist devices.
• Attend training sessions to stay current with student needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet one or more of the following:
  • Pass 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.
  • Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at 100 level or higher from an accredited institution.
  • Have completed a Para educator Apprenticeship Program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Basic typing/keyboarding skills.
• Previous experience working with students, particularly in special education.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Ability to work with and supervise students.
• Personal characteristics of 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 handle potentially aggressive behavior from students.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships as part of a team.

Vision (66‑100%). Speaking (66‑100%). Hearing (66‑100%). Standing (33‑66%). Walking (33‑66%). Writing (up to 33%). Stooping (33‑66%). Reaching (33‑66%). Lifting (33‑66%) up to 50 lbs. individually; more than 50 lbs with assistance. At risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens and other infectious materials.

Constant interruptions (66‑100%). Verbal communication. Confidentiality. Multiple concurrent tasks. Reading and writing documents. Written communication. Mental loads requiring frequent attentiveness.

Computer, typewriter, copy machines, telephone, and other tools necessary for job duties.

Salary placed at the minimum hourly rate in the classification range; experience credit may place employees higher in the range. Eligible employees receive medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, retirement benefits, paid holidays and leave, as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

New employees start at the minimum hourly rate; experience credit may apply.

Student Support;
Permanent.

Evergreen Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities 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 guide dog or service animal, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.