LifeSkills ParaProfessional

Position: LifeSkills 1:1 Para Professional
Location: Winlock

Job Title

Life Skills 1:1 Para educator (Middle School/High School)

Location

MS/HS Life Skills Program

Reports To

Special Education Teacher / Building Administrator / Special Services Director (as assigned)

Position Summary

The Life Skills 1:1 Para educator provides direct support to an individual student receiving special education services in the MS/HS Life Skills program. This position assists the student in accessing instruction, participating in school activities, building independence, and meeting IEP goals. The para educator works under the supervision of certificated staff and supports academic, functional, behavioral, social-emotional, and/or medical needs as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Support (1:1)

• Provide direct 1:1 assistance to a student throughout the school day in academic, functional, and community-based settings.
• Support implementation of IEP accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans.
• Assist student in developing independence in:
• • self-care and hygiene
  • communication
  • social interaction
  • classroom routines
  • functional academics
  • vocational/work skills (as applicable)

Instructional Support

• Reinforce lessons and activities planned by the special education teacher and related service providers.
• Provide small group or individual practice using teacher-directed strategies.
• Assist in collecting data on student progress (behavioral, academic, functional) and share observations with staff.
• Support use of assistive technology and communication systems (AAC devices, visual schedules, etc.).

Behavioral and Safety Support

• Use positive behavior strategies and de-escalation techniques as trained.
• Monitor student behavior and environment to ensure safety.
• Provide supervision during transitions, lunch, recess, electives, assemblies, drills, and community activities.
• May assist with implementation of approved restraint procedures only if trained and authorized (per district policy).

Personal Care / Physical Support (as needed)

• Support mobility, transfers, positioning, and safe movement.
• Assist with toileting/diapering, hygiene, feeding, and dressing as required.
• Support medical needs per district procedure and training (example: seizure protocol, tube feeding support, etc. if applicable).
• Maintain student dignity and confidentiality at all times.

Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities

• Communicate professionally with teachers, specialists, and administrators.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA and district expectations.
• Participate in required trainings (safety, behavior support, CPI, first aid, etc.).
• Maintain accurate logs, incident reports, and documentation as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meets Washington State para educator requirements (or ability to meet within required timeframe).
• Ability to work effectively with MS/HS students with significant learning, behavioral, and/or physical support needs.
• Ability to follow written plans, schedules, and staff directions consistently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to maintain professional boundaries.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and/or assist with lifting up to 50 lbs (or more with team lift/equipment).
• Ability to assist with personal care needs, including toileting.
• Work may include exposure to bodily fluids and/or aggressive behaviors.
• Position requires flexibility across classrooms and settings, including community-based instruction.

Terms of Employment

• Classified position
• Work schedule:
  
  school year schedule (hours/day as assigned)
• Salary: per classified salary schedule
• Benefits: per district agreement and eligibility