Special Education Paraeducator; Sped

Special Education Para educator

Location: Mill Plain Elementary School, Vancouver, Washington

Starting Date: August 24, 2026

Hours / Work Times:

• 6.33 hours per day (7:40 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., includes 30‑minute unpaid lunch)
• 4.33 hours on early‑release days (7:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., includes 30‑minute unpaid time)
• 6.17 hours on designated full Wednesdays (7:40 a.m. – 2:20 p.m., includes 30‑minute unpaid lunch)
• 190 days per year (180 student days + 10 holidays)

Para educator Employment Requirements:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Must meet one or more of the following:
  • Have a passing 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.
  • Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university.
  • Have completed a Para educator Apprenticeship Program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Applicants who do not meet the above requirements will not be considered.

Salary Placement: New employees will start at the minimum hourly rate in the classification salary range. Employees who have verified prior years of service of similar occupational experience may receive experience credit toward salary step placement.

• Assist the Special Education teacher or IEP manager in providing services and supports to students with special needs in elementary and/or secondary settings.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Deliver one‑to‑one and group instruction as directed by the teacher to meet individualized education program (IEP) goals.
• Help establish and maintain a learning environment aligned with curriculum outcomes.
• Assess student progress, evaluate learning, and collect data to track IEP goal progress.
• Assist in administering and scoring formal and informal assessments.
• Implement behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher.
• Organize and prepare instructional materials.
• Support students’ bathroom needs, including lifting and changing when required.
• Feed students as necessary and handle body fluids and lifting responsibilities up to 50 lbs. individually.
• Provide services directed by related services providers (OT, PT, SLP).
• Assist students in using assistive technology, augmentative communication, or physical assist devices (wheelchairs, walkers, standers, lifts).
• Attend training sessions to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of students’ needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Basic typing/keyboarding skills.
• Prior experience working with students in academic or special education contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise students and work in a team environment.
• Flexibility, initiative, and cooperativeness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Willingness to learn computer skills, assistive technology, and office equipment operation.
• Capability to perform under constant interruption and handle potentially aggressive behavior.

• Awareness of own cultural identity and interest in learning about others.
• Support a school environment that celebrates diversity and makes learning relevant.
• Engage in activities that increase cultural competence.
• Commit to equitable outcomes for all students.
• Recognize each person as a unique individual while celebrating cultural heritage.
• Establish positive relationships regardless of race, gender, physical limitation, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

• Vision: 66‑100%
• Speaking: 66‑100%
• Hearing: 66‑100%
• Standing: 33‑66%
• Walking: 33‑66%
• Writing: up to 33%
• Bending, stooping, reaching, and squatting: 33‑66%
• Lifting up to 50 lbs. individually; more than 50 lbs. with assistance.
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens and other infectious materials possible.

• Reading documents: 66‑100%
• Constant interruptions: 66‑100%
• Verbal communication: 66‑100%
• Confidentiality: 66‑100% (occasionally up to 33%)
• Written…