STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTION

Classification: Instructional Paraeducator Location: Assigned School(s)
Reports to: Principal or Principal Designee FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NTPA
This is a standard position description to be used for paraeducator positions with similar duties, responsibilities, classification and compensation. Paraeducators assigned to the position description may or may not perform all of the essential functions indicated in this position description.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and para-educator and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Part I: Position Summary:
The paraeducator performs a variety of duties including, instructional and classroom support, as well as supervision and safety related duties assist the school and teachers in instruction, supervision, and education of students.
The District represents a diverse community with a population of more than 50% of students with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.
Part II: Supervision and Controls over the Work:
Paraeducator work under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported, and under the direct supervision of the Principal or Principal Designee. Teachers provide specific directions and oversight of instructional support. Principal or Principal Designee provides training, direction, and guidance governing the performance of school-wide duties. Paraeducators are responsible for being familiar with the school/district policies and procedures which govern their work.

PART IV: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Either an Associate’s Degree or 72 quarter credits of college courses numbered 100 or above OR the ETS Para Pro test. (The ETS Para Pro test is given by ESD113 in Tumwater. Their number is 360-464-6700. Or online at https://www.prometric.com/ParaPro or https://www.ets.org).
• May be required to be trained in specific instructional methodologies in such content areas as reading, writing, and mathematics.
• May be required to be certified or to become certified in first aid, CPR, and/or operation of defibrillators.
• Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
• Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing tasks and priorities.
• Able to assist, console, and manage students who may be emotional, distraught, or frustrated.
• Able to remain calm, focused and in control when working with students, parents, guardians, and community members who may be difficult and challenging to engage.
• Able to follow written and verbal direction and take the initiative to seek clarity and take action when needed.
• Be or become knowledgeable and supportive of classroom management and student discipline procedures.
• Constantly exhibit command and proper enunciation, spelling, syntax and use of the English language to assist and model proper language usage by students.
• Able to organize work and set priorities for accomplishing work in a timely and effective manner.
• Able to protect the confidentiality of student information consistent with FERPA requirements and good judgment.
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use office and computer equipment and use standard office software and student information system software.

PART V: DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of experience that demonstrates the ability to work successfully with children in a learning environment. Education beyond the high school level may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hours, or portion thereof, considered one year, or portion thereof, of education and/or experience.
• Bilingual skills in languages commonly used by District students such as Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese (to be determined by the specific position).
• May be required to be certified or to become certified in first aid, CPR, and/or operation of defibrillators.

PART VI: PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a paraeducator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The paraeducator must lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues.
While performing the duties of this job, the para-educator is frequently required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak. Paraeducator may be required to perform extensive work at a computer display terminal or stand for longer than two (2) hours.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the paraeducator occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The paraeducator is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties.
The paraeducator may be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students, exposed to student noise and learning resource noise levels.
The paraeducator may be required to travel in school owned or leased vehicles while supervising and assisting students.

• Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of student in the classroom.
• Oversee student safety by such activities as recess and playground supervision, bus duty, crossing guard duty, hallway supervision, in-school detention, etc.
• Communicates with students, parents, and community members with respect and confidentiality and consistent with the direction and guidance of staff, administrators, and school/district policies and procedures.
• Provides instructional support and tutoring to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations. May supervise and assist student during in-school suspension or in extended day programs.
• Documents behavior and progress of students to assist teacher in assessing progress with education plans. Maintain, or assist in maintaining, student weekly progress reports.
• Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
• Takes steps to intervene when students are not in control, not in the proper location, or may be in dangerous or unsafe situations. May oversee student safety by such activities as recess and playground supervision, bus duty, crossing guard duty, hallway supervision, library, lunch, planned periods, etc.
• Models appropriate behavior for students.
• Provides students with guidance and reinforcement of rules and expected behaviors.
• Provide limited first aid when necessary. Assess injury to determine whether nursing care is needed. Maintain knowledge of students that may have medical concerns to remain aware of potentially dangerous situations for their individual condition.
• Performs other duties as assigned.