Prior to applying for a paraeducator position you must meet the following requirements:

Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent AND

• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university, OR
• Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university, OR
• Completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, OR
• Received a passing score on one of the PESB approved assessments (see Monroe SD employment information page for more information)

POSITION SUMMARY

Under supervision, perform a variety of instructional activities; assist in promoting student learning; perform routine and supportive tasks for instructional personnel; and complete other related work as required within a collaborative team.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A combination of training and experience qualifies a candidate for knowledge and skill requirements. A typical way to obtain required knowledge and skills is:

Experience:

• One year of paid or volunteer experience working with multi-age groups of children

Education:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by training or coursework in child growth and development, instructional technology, or a closely related field

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must meet the requirements set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) by satisfying one of the following criteria:
• Hold an AA or higher degree from a college or university
• Have completed at least two years college with 72 college credits accrued
• Have passed the OSPI approved test
• Completion of approved apprenticeship program

Candidates must also meet the following requirements:

• First Aid, CPR and AED certification
• CPI-certification for specified positions including Positive Behavior Support (PBS), Structured Learning Center (SLC), and some 1:1 student support positions. Additionally other specific positions may be identified by the Executive Director of Student Services.
• Completion of all state required paraeducator certifications
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint clearance
• I-9 employment eligibility in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act
• HIV/HBV training (obtain within 60 days of hire date – District provided)
• Human Resources new hire training (obtain within 60 days of hire date – District provided)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Basic concepts of child growth development, and developmental behavior characteristics pertaining to students in grades preschool through age 21 including students with special learning needs and English language needs
• Student behavior management strategies and techniques such as PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) and Trauma Informed Practices
• Appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar
• Basic arithmetic concepts
• Positive behavior interventions and supports
• Routine record management, storage, and retrieval systems and procedures

Ability to:

• Demonstrate an empathetic, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age, ability and cultural backgrounds
• Model appropriate behavior
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Perform routine tasks and operate a variety of educational and office related equipment and technology
• Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate instructional materials and procedures in the enhancement of a positive educational environment
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults
• Follow specific student educational plans with fidelity
• Manage and guide student behavior
• Ability and willingness to perform the physical requirements of the position
• Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information and records
• Be flexible with schedule (i.e. job duties, responsibilities, staff meetings, training, etc.)

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions:

• Use of a personal computer for extended periods of time
• Use of a telephone and other technology
• Ability to perceive the nature of sound; near/far visual acuity, depth perception,, manual dexterity, which includes fine and gross motor skills
• Ability to communicate orally; operate a variety of equipment and technology
• Exert 10 to 20 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Sit, stand, run or walk for extended periods of time, Work is conducted in a shared, open, classroom environment with consideration toward equipment noise, confidentiality, voice volume
• Physical ability to tolerate exposure to hot, cold, humid or windy conditions caused by weather conditions with a variety of changing weather conditions and potentially uneven/slippery surfaces
• May be required with assistance to lift, carry and support students weighing up to or in excess of 150 pounds
• The job is performed with time spent indoors and under minimal temperature variations; a portion of the day may be time spent outdoors and is subject to a variety of changing weather conditions and potentially uneven/slippery surfaces
• Ability to run after eloping students

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assist instructional personnel with presentation of learning materials and in delivery of instructional programs
• Work with students with a wide range of physical, mental, social and behavioral disabilities. This range includes students with mild academic difficulties to students who are severely intellectually impaired; students with mild physical disabilities to students who are unable to perform basic self-care; students who are shy and withdrawn to students who are acting out (and may be physical)
• Tutor individual students and small groups of students to reinforce and follow up learning activities
• Monitor and assist students in drill, practice, and study activities per the instructional program and/or individual student learning plan
• Direct students into safe learning activities and functions, and assist in shaping of appropriate social behaviors
• Monitor and assist in remediation of specific learning problems and conditions
• Assist in management of student behavior through the use of positive strategies and techniques. Collaborate and execute student’s behavior plans with fidelity.
• Assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids for use with individual or small groups of students at the direction of the supervising teacher
• Provide support to students who need catheterization, with training provided
• Attend to basic care of students including toileting, diapering, dressing and feeding
• Perform routine first aid which may include aiding students experiencing seizures or respiratory distress
• Maintain a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and information
• Operate and assist students in the operation of a variety of instructional media, equipment and technology
• Flexibility to learn and accommodate new students as they arrive to the program with individual behaviors and IEP goals
• Administer and score a variety of criterion referenced and general aptitude tests, and record the test results
• Assist in maintaining an orderly, safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment
• De-escalate students per district protocol and procedure
• Assist with transitions on and off the school bus
• Help students unpack and put things in the correct location
• Monitor students at recess for safety
• Adhere to federal and state laws and district regulations, policies, procedures and practices
• Mandatory reporting for incidents of child abuse, harassment, intimidation, bullying, boundary invasions, fights, substance abuse, etc.
• Abide by employment provisions provided for in the collective bargaining agreement
• Observe strict confidentiality regarding student and staff information
• Maintain regular punctual attendance