Paraeducator, Learning Support

Para educator, Learning Support 1:

Vancouver Public Schools, Thomas Jefferson Middle School – Vancouver, Washington

Para educator, Learning Support

6.5 hours per day, 9 months per year.
This is a one‑on‑one position.

Fair Labor Standards Act Status:
Non‑Exempt

• High school diploma or GED.
• 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.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, providing support to achieve desired classroom or program goals.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and conflict‑resolution skills with the ability to think quickly.
• Internal applicants must have official transcripts; external applicants must include official transcripts or ETS Para Pro Assessment results.

• Effective communication with individuals from diverse socio‑economic backgrounds.
• Ability to learn and use a computer monitor, keyboard, and appropriate adaptive technologies.
• Ability to implement educational programs and manage student behavior under teacher direction.
• Maintenance of confidentiality.
• Flexibility with assigned tasks and schedules.

• Ability to lift, move, and, when necessary, physically restrain a child of the required size.
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building and grounds.
• Ability to observe student behavior visually and by listening.
• Regular attendance to carry out duties and responsibilities to achieve program requirements.

• Treat coworkers, supervisors, students, parents, and others with dignity and respect at all times.
• Serve as a positive role model for students and practice expected behaviors.
• Work flexibly and cooperatively.
• Support the certificated staff member in developing specific goals for each student.
• Assist the teacher in planning and evaluating overall learning goals and individual students’ progress.
• Oversee student behavior and assist during class activities.
• Assist with classroom activities or provide instruction to students (academic subjects, basic life skills, social skills, and other areas as assigned).
• Produce and assemble teaching materials as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with data entry, record keeping, and filing.
• Grade or correct papers and homework using a rubric or key.
• Oversee students as they enter or leave school grounds, playground, cafeteria, or on field trips as directed by special‑education staff.
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs.
• Collect and share progress data.
• Use technology to collect Individualized Education Plan (IEP) data and inform work with students in goal areas.
• Lead small groups or individualized instruction in reading, writing, math, and social/behavioral skills.
• Support students in general‑education classrooms, adjusting, changing, or modifying assigned work and communicating accommodations with the general‑education teacher.
• Communicate clearly with special‑education teachers regarding student behavior, progress, and needs.
• Implement suggestions and feedback from staff regarding specific students.
• Implement behavior‑support plans for students with behavior needs.
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities assigned by administrators in alignment with job classification.

• Salary: $25.07 to $30.50 per hour. New employees start at the minimum hourly rate of the salary range; experience credit may apply.
• Benefits:
  Eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, and disability insurance for employees working at least 630 hours. Eligibility criteria available.
• Retirement:
  Eligible through Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) based on FTE.
• Time Off:
  Paid holidays and paid time off—including sick, vacation, personal, bereavement leave, and other negotiated leave options.
• Position Type:
  Day Shift.

Failure to submit a full application package will result in disqualification.