Special Education Para Educator

About the Employer

Special Education Paraeducator (10172 SPED)

Location: Heritage High School Reports to: Special Education Instructor/Building Principal, Special Services Department

Hours/Work Times:

• 6 hours per day (8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) including 30-minute unpaid lunch
• 3.83 hours on early-release days (8:45 a.m. – 1:05 p.m.) including 30-minute unpaid time
• 190 days per year (180 student days / 10 holidays)

Must Meet Paraeducator Employment Requirements

Have received a passing score of 455 or higher on the Education Testing Service Parapro Assessment (ETS test/Praxis); + Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; + Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university; + 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.
• 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:

Upon Hire

• New paraeducators will be required to complete state-required training offered through Evergreen School District.

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.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, basic long-term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance through School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). + Eligibility for FSAs, DCAP, HSA, FPFSA (with HDHP), and other supplemental benefits.
• Evergreen Public Schools (EPS) offers the following to eligible employees who work at least 630 hours in a school year:
• Employees may be eligible for employer-employee funded retirement benefits through Department of Retirement Services (DRS).

Additional Employment Terms

Sick + Vacation + Personal + Religious + Bereavement leave + Additional negotiated leave options can be found in the associated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for this position.
• EPS offers paid holidays and paid time off, including but not limited to:
• Failure to submit a full application package will result in disqualification.
• External applicants must include official transcripts (upon hire) to confirm education or ETS Parapro Assessment results with application.

Stance Statement

Evergreen Public Schools is committed to eliminating the predictability of outcomes by demographic group and strives to be a diverse community of schools that provides each member with opportunities, access, resources, and support they need to succeed. We aim 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.

Summary Statement

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

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 their 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.
• Feed students as necessary (14).
• Handle body fluids as necessary (13).
• Provide services as planned and directed by related services providers (OT, PT, 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 students who 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%)
• 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.

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.

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 Complaints/Discrimination

• Cale Piland: Title IX Coordinator, Director of Student Services, (360) 604-4430, caleb.piland@evergreenps.org
• Tai Phong: Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Health Services Manager, (360) 604-6711, tai.phong@evergreenps.org
• Danny Orrantia: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Senior Director of Human Resources, (360) 604-4014, daniel.orrantia@evergreenps.org
• Shane Gardner: HIB Coordinator/Gender Inclusivity, Director of Safety & Security, (360) 604-4066, shane.gardner@evergreenps.org