Special Program Para , Life Skills

Special Program Para educator 1, Life Skills

6.5 hours per day, 9 months per year

One‑on‑one position

Non‑Exempt

• Documentation verifying a high school diploma or GED
• Official transcripts verifying an Associate’s degree (90 quarter, 60 semester) or 72 quarter / 48 semester credits from an accredited university, college, community college, or business school; or ETS Para Pro Assessment result of 461 or higher
• One year of related experience working with children in an educational setting (preferred)
• Successful experience as part of an educational team (preferred)
• Experience demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment to support classroom and program goals
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, analytical, and conflict‑resolution skills and the ability to think quickly
• Experience working with children who have moderate to severe disabilities (preferred)

• Effective communication with and appreciation for individuals from diverse, socio‑economic backgrounds
• Ability to respond to evasive and aggressive student behavior
• Completion of mandatory training on weekends, including CPI, de‑escalation, and physical restraint training, as soon as possible after hiring
• Proficiency with computers, keyboards, and appropriate adaptive technologies
• Successful implementation of educational programs and student behavior management with teacher direction
• Maintenance of confidentiality
• Flexibility with assigned tasks and schedules
• Development of supportive relationships with children who possess mental or physical disabilities

• Ability to lift, move, and physically restrain a child of the size required by the job
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building, grounds, and in the community
• Ability to observe student behavior visually and by listening, and to communicate observations to appropriate service providers
• Regular attendance to carry out duties and responsibilities to achieve program requirements

• Treat co‑workers, supervisors, students, parents, and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serve as a positive role model for students, practicing the behaviors expected of them
• Work flexibly and cooperatively
• Assist the teacher in implementing and evaluating goals and objectives on individual student IEPs
• Participate in team meetings as appropriate to provide observational input or acquire information pertinent to the position
• Manage behavior and assist students during class activities in small groups or individually; provide instructional assistance as directed by certificated staff, covering academic subjects, life skills, social skills, community access, personal hygiene (including toileting), swimming, communication, physical and/or occupational therapy exercises, and job skills training; assist with lesson material preparation and data collection records
• De‑escalate students experiencing emotional/behavioral crises and implement behavior management plans as appropriate
• Dispense medication to students following district policy
• Provide personal hygiene care for students with disabilities, including feeding, diapering, toileting, bathing, lifting, tube feeding, suctioning, and other health‑related tasks with appropriate training
• Produce and assemble teaching materials as directed by certificated staff; assist with data entry, record keeping, and filing
• Grade or correct papers and homework using a rubric or key
• Observe assigned students at school entrances, playgrounds, cafeterias, and in the community, intervening as appropriate to ensure safety
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs
• Assist students on and off buses if required
• Perform additional tasks and assume responsibilities as assigned by the administrator in alignment with the job classification

Salary range:
New employees start at the minimum hourly rate in the salary range. Employees with verified prior years of service in a similar occupational status from other Washington School Districts or Education School Districts may receive experience credit toward salary placement.

Benefits:
Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits.

Retirement:
Eligible employees may receive retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) based on full‑time equivalent (FTE).

Time Off:
Vancouver Public Schools offers paid holidays, paid time off—including sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave—and additional negotiated leave options per the Comprehensive Professional Agreement (CPA) for this position.