SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR

LOCATION: Columbia Valley Elementary School
REPORTS TO: Special Education Instructor/Building Principal
DEPARTMENT: Special Services

MUST MEET PARAEDUCATOR EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AS FOLLOWS*:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent; AND
• Must meet one or more of the following:
• Have received a passing score of 455 or higher on the Education Testing Service ParaPro Assessment (ETS test/PRAXIS); or
• Hold an Associate Degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
• Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university; or
• Have completed a Paraeducator Apprenticeship Program (program must be registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council).
• If you do not meet the required qualifications listed above, your name will be screened out from the list of qualified candidates.

SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Under the supervision of the Special Education classroom instructor and the building Principal, the Special Education Paraeducator will assist in the supervision of instructional activities, working closely with students on an individual as well as a small group basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Basic typing/keyboarding.
• Previous experience working with students in academic areas and/or professional course work in Special Education. (*1-3)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents. (*5)
• Demonstrated ability to work with and supervise students. (*9-10-11)
• Must possess personal characteristics of flexibility, initiative, and cooperativeness. (*5)
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. (*4)
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn computer skills and assistive technology. (*13)
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn to operate the office equipment as listed above. (*13)
• Demonstrated ability to perform under conditions of constant interruption.
• Must possess physical strength and ability to deal with potentially aggressive behavior of students.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others as part of a team. (*5)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:

• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Supports a positive school environment that celebrates, respects and values diversity, where learning is made relevant and meaningful to students of various cultures.
• Participates in activities and discussions that lead to increased cultural competence.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equitable outcomes for all students.
• Ability to recognize each person as a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
• The ability and desire to establish positive relationships with persons regardless of race, gender, physical limitation, sexual orientation or religious belief, with an active commitment to equal opportunity for all persons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Indicates Washington State Core Competencies for Paraeducators for each essential function and qualification.
• Under direction of the Special Education teacher or IEP manager, provide special education services and supports to elementary and/or secondary students eligible for special education as follows:
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents. (*5)
• Provide one-to-one and group instruction to students as directed by the teacher so as to meet his/her individualized education program (IEP). (*9)
• Assist in establishing and maintaining a learning environment as specified by course goals and curriculum outcomes. (*10)
• Assess student progress, evaluate learning, and collect student performance data to ensure progress towards each student’s IEP goals. (*9-10-11)
• Maintain accurate data on student progress. (*9)
• Assist in administering and scoring formal and informal tests. (*10)
• Implement behavioral management strategies using the emphasis and techniques that have been outlined by the teacher. (*6)
• Assist in organizing and preparing a variety of instructional materials. (*9)
• Address student’s bathroom needs as is necessary, including lifting and changing students when required.
• Feed students as necessary. (*14)
• Handle body fluids as necessary (*13)
• Lift and/or position students as necessary (*13)
• Provide services as planned and directed by related services providers (OT, PT, and SLP)
• Assist students with using assistive technology, augmentative communication, or physical assist devices (i.e. wheel chairs, walkers, standers, or lifts).
• Attend various training sessions as necessary so as to maintain an up-to-date understanding of the needs of student(s) that receive special education services.