Special Education Para Educator
About the Employer
Location and Reporting Structure
Location: Wy'east Middle School Reports to: Special Education Instructor/Building Principal, Department of Special Services
Hours/Work Times
• 6 hours per day (9:35 a.m. - 4:05 p.m.) including 30 minute unpaid lunch
• 3.83 hours on early-release days (9:35 a.m. - 1:55 p.m.) including 30 minute unpaid time
• 190 days per year (180 student days / 10 holidays)
Employment Requirements
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).
Position Details
Position Status: Program Support Position Duration: Permanent Classification Group: Paraeducator Class II
Salary and Benefits
Salary Placement: New employees will start at the minimum hourly rate in the classification salary range. However, employees who have verified prior years of service of similar occupational experience may receive experience credit towards salary step placement. Evergreen Public Schools (EPS) offers the following to eligible employees who work at least 630 hours in a school year: Medical, dental, vision, basic long-term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance through School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). For additional information, click EPS benefits information. Employees may also be eligible to participate in FSA, DCAP, HSA, FPFSA (with HDHP), and other supplemental benefits. Employees may be eligible for employer-employee funded retirement benefits through Department of Retirement Services (DRS). EPS offers paid holidays and paid time off, including but not limited to, sick, vacation, personal, religious, and bereavement leave. Additional negotiated leave options can be found in the associated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for this position PSE Large Group CBA.
Statement of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Evergreen Public Schools are committed to eliminating the predictability of outcomes by demographic group and strive to be a diverse community of schools that provides each member with the opportunities, access, resources, and support they need to be successful. With this in mind, our goal is to recruit, hire, and retain employees of all racial/ethnic backgrounds who will bring their unique talents and skills into our educational institution to encourage students to thrive academically.
Essential Functions
• 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 students' bathroom needs as is necessary, including lifting and changing students when required.
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., wheelchairs, 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.
Other Responsibilities
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Physical Demands Required
Vision (66-100%) Speaking (66-100%) Hearing (66-100%) Standing (33-66%) Sitting (33-66%) Walking (33-66%) Writing (up to 33%) Bending (33-66%) Stooping (33-66%) Acceptable attendance Reaching (33-66%) Squatting (33-66%) Lifting (33-66%) up to 50 lbs. individually, more than 50 lbs. with assistance At risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. Running (up to 33%)
Mental Demands Required
Reading documents (66-100%) Constant interruptions (66-100%) Verbal communication (66-100%) Confidentiality (66-100%) Written communication (up to 33%) Multiple concurrent tasks (66-100%)
Tools and Equipment Necessary
Computer, typewriter, copy machines, telephone, and all other tools and equipment necessary to perform the essential functions as listed above.
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.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Evergreen Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Contact Information for Discrimination Complaints
The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Cale Piland, Title IX Coordinator Director of Student Services 13413 NE Leroy Haagen Memorial Dr. Vancouver, WA 98684 PO Box 8910 Vancouver, WA 98668-8910 Telephone: 360-604-4430 Caleb.Piland@evergreenps.org Tai Phong, Section 504/ADA Coordinator Health Services Manager 13413 NE Leroy Haagen Memorial Dr. Vancouver, WA 98684 PO Box 8910 Vancouver, WA 98668-8910 Telephone: 360-604-6711 Tai.Phong@evergreenps.org Danny Orrantia, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator Senior Director of Human Resources 13413 NE Leroy Haagen Memorial Dr. Vancouver, WA 98684 PO Box 8910 Vancouver, WA 98668-8910 Telephone: 360-604-4014 Daniel.Orrantia@evergreenps.org Shane Gardner, HIB Coordinator/Gender Inclusivity Director of Safety & Security 13413 NE Leroy Haagen Memorial Dr. Vancouver, WA 98684 PO Box 8910 Vancouver, WA 98668-8910 Telephone: 360-604-4066 Shane.Gardner@evergreenps.org