Hybrid Paraeducator II (1:1 ALC) - Special Education bei La Center School District

The La Center School District has an opportunity for a Paraeducator II to provide 1:1 support to a student in the Alternative Learning Center at La Center High School.  

Our Mission: The mission of the La Center School District is to create a supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their fullest potential. We will do this in partnership with families, the community, staff and students to develop confident and self-reliant lifelong learners who can thrive in a rapidly changing, more technologically advanced and diverse society.

Position Summary:   Under the supervision of the building principal, the Paraeducator II supports the district’s mission by providing academic, social, physical, and behavioral support to Special Education students in the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) in an atmosphere of warmth, cooperation and service to others.

Terms of Employment:  189 days per school year, when school is in session; six (6) hours and (40) minutes with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break on regular attendance days and reduced hours on late start and early release days.  The current work schedule is 8:40 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. on regular student attendance days, 9:40 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. on late start days, and 8:40 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. on early release days.   Schedules are subject to change based on the needs of the district.  

• Selected candidates may undergo appropriate applicant testing prior to being offered an interview.
• Successful candidates must be fingerprinted.  Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check and clearance by Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties will vary based on the assignment and may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all students in special education to participate in classroom activities
• Provide instructional services to students under the direction of a certificated staff member in order to implement IEP goals and/or remediation
• Perform student observation and assessment; provide verbal and/or written feedback to assist certificated personnel in evaluating students
• Confer with appropriate school personnel as directed by the teacher in order to evaluate special education student progress and/or implement IEP objectives
• Attend to the physical needs of students, including moving and positioning students and assisting with personal hygiene and daily care (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.) in order to provide appropriate care and/or develop the student’s daily living activities and behavioral skills (as assigned)
• Implement academic instruction assigned by the teacher for individuals (one-on-one) or small groups to assist the students in meeting learning goals as described by their IEP and/or benchmarks 
• Provide 1:1 student support as needed
• Implement behavioral plans and interventions designed by the IEP team in order to meet the needs of the students and provide a consistent environment
• Monitor students within a variety of school settings including, but not limited to, classrooms, playground, cafeteria, restrooms, hallways, bus loading zones, and parking lots
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with remedial students
• Participate as a member of the education team; may attend parent conferences at the discretion of the principal
• Administer tests, collect data, and report student progress
• Maintain accurate data collection records and assist with completion of reports
• Contribute to the collaborative effort of all staff to meet individual instructional needs of students through participation in staff meetings, in-service programs, workshops and seminars
• Ability to participate in activities beyond the regularly scheduled work day
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and community partners
• Attend required trainings
• Maintain a neat, clean personal appearance and traits of a good role model for students; work apparel should be appropriate for a safe and professional work environment
• Provide a safe learning environment for all students
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position
• Perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent and at least ONE of the following is required:
  • Associate’s Degree or equivalent (48 semester/72 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university OR 
  • A  passing score on a state-approved Paraeducator Assessment 
• Willingness and ability to complete professional development courses required by the state of Washington towards Paraeducator certification
• Willingness and ability to complete professional development courses in student de-escalation strategies (e.g., Ukeru, CPI, etc.)
• A valid CPR card, or the ability to obtain a card, is required upon hire
• Successful completion of a basic skills assessment may be required prior to offer of employment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with students in special programs
• De-escalation training

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Flexibility and an attitude of cooperation with the ability to move from classroom-to-classroom to provide services throughout the district
• Ability to learn and utilize various computer software programs and assistive technology
• Ability to understand individual students' needs and help them grow
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a diverse population of staff, students, families, and community members while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor and supporting an atmosphere of warmth, cooperation and service to others
• Demonstrated ability to treat all staff, students, parents, and community members with dignity
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students and staff
• Strong self-initiative with an ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a flexible and cooperative manner in order to build and maintain effective teams and partnerships
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member and analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions, and determine resolutions and/or action plans
• Punctual, with the ability to meet deadlines, adapt quickly to change and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all district matters
• Understand and implement district safety procedures
• Ability to incorporate working knowledge of Board Policies E-1 through E-4 into daily practice
• Ability to learn and follow school district policies and procedures

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Depending upon the assignment, some sitting, standing and stooping will be required to attend to the physical needs of students including feeding, moving and positioning students and assisting with personal hygiene needs including, but not limited to, changing diapers and toileting
• Wear district-provided personal protective equipment as required for the assignment
• Some lifting may be required; ability to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds with assistance is required

Salary:  The current starting wage is $22.07 per hour after successful completion of a probationary period of 60 working days/480 hours of employment (whichever is less).  The probationary rate of pay is $19.86 per hour.  Pay rates thereafter are based on the SEIU salary schedule.

La Center School District 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, gender 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. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: 

Matt Johnson, Civil Rights Coordinator, 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, 360-263-1700

Matt Cooke, Title IX Officer, 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, 360-263-1700

Jami Phelps, Section 504 Coordinator, PO Box 1840, La Center, 360-263-2131